CVE-2005-1445 in SitePanel
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in SitePanel 2.6.1 and earlier (SitePanel2) allows remote attackers to (1) delete arbitrary files via the id parameter in a rmattach action to 5.php, or (2) read arbitrary files via the lang parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1445 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting SitePanel 2.6.1 and earlier versions, specifically impacting the SitePanel2 web application framework. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-22 as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists due to insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access parameters and bypass normal security restrictions that should prevent unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage different parameters within the application's PHP scripts. The first vector targets the id parameter within the rmattach action of the 5.php script, enabling remote attackers to delete arbitrary files from the server's file system. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file deletion operations, allowing attackers to construct malicious file paths that traverse directories beyond the intended scope. The second vector exploits the lang parameter in index.php, which permits attackers to read arbitrary files from the system through directory traversal techniques. This vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive files including configuration data, user credentials, and system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1445 extends beyond simple file access violations, creating significant security risks for organizations utilizing affected SitePanel versions. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through the potential for arbitrary code execution, data theft, and service disruption. Attackers can leverage the file reading capability to access critical system information, potentially obtaining database credentials, application configuration files, or other sensitive data that could facilitate further attacks. The file deletion capability poses additional risks including the potential for denial of service attacks, data corruption, or the removal of critical system components. These vulnerabilities align with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use the information gained from file reads to craft more sophisticated social engineering attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures across all file handling operations within the SitePanel application. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that prevents special characters and path traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate input. The recommended approach includes implementing whitelisting mechanisms for file access parameters, enforcing proper access controls, and ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes rigorous sanitization before being used in file system operations. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of SitePanel that addresses these directory traversal vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to vulnerable endpoints and conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other potential attack vectors within the application infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing directory traversal attacks, which remain one of the most prevalent and dangerous classes of web application vulnerabilities.