CVE-2005-1377 in Claroline
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Claroline 1.5.3 through 1.6 Release Candidate 1, and possibly Dokeos, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1377 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Claroline learning management systems version 1.5.3 through 1.6 Release Candidate 1, with potential impacts extending to Dokeos platforms. This vulnerability stems from insecure handling of user-supplied input within the application's file inclusion mechanisms, creating pathways for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The flaw manifests through unknown vectors that allow remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by introducing malicious code through file inclusion parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of remote file inclusion attacks. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that are subsequently used in file inclusion operations. When the application processes user-controlled input without adequate sanitization, it becomes susceptible to attackers who can craft malicious URLs or file paths that, when included, execute unintended code on the target server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and data breach potential. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive educational data, user credentials, and system resources. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access to the target system. This vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions using Claroline or Dokeos platforms, potentially exposing student records, course materials, and administrative data to unauthorized access. The attack surface is amplified by the fact that many educational organizations may not have robust security monitoring in place to detect such exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems to the latest available versions of Claroline and Dokeos that address the remote file inclusion flaws. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious parameters from reaching file inclusion functions. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal necessary permissions and by implementing proper file access controls. Network-level protections including firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for suspicious file inclusion patterns and block known malicious traffic. Additionally, security monitoring should include logging and analysis of file inclusion activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter out malicious requests targeting known vulnerability patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to protect against this and similar remote code execution vulnerabilities.