CVE-2005-1447 in SitePanel
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in main.php in SitePanel 2.6.1 and earlier (SitePanel2) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the p parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1447 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in SitePanel 2.6.1 and earlier versions of the SitePanel2 web application. This vulnerability resides within the main.php script and specifically affects the handling of the 'p' parameter, which is used for including PHP files. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate this parameter and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, effectively compromising the entire web application and potentially the underlying system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically focusing on the dangerous practice of allowing user input to control file inclusion operations. The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic example of unsafe dynamic code execution where user-supplied parameters are directly used in include or require statements without proper validation or sanitization. The 'p' parameter in main.php likely serves as a file path or module identifier that gets directly concatenated into an include statement, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious file paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete remote code execution capabilities on the affected server. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to upload and execute malicious PHP scripts, potentially establishing persistent backdoors, exfiltrating sensitive data, or using the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks. The vulnerability affects not just the web application itself but could lead to complete system compromise, especially if the web server has elevated privileges or if the application runs with administrative access to system resources. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where SitePanel is used for content management or administrative functions, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information or user data.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves sending a specially crafted HTTP request to the vulnerable main.php script with a malicious value in the 'p' parameter. Attackers can construct URLs that point to remote malicious servers or local files, allowing them to execute arbitrary code. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services for initial access, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through command and scripting interfaces. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, implementing proper file inclusion controls, and restricting file access permissions. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of SitePanel 2.6.2 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper parameter validation and the implementation of a whitelist-based approach for file inclusion operations. Additionally, web application firewalls and security monitoring systems should be configured to detect and block suspicious parameter values that could indicate exploitation attempts.