CVE-2005-1752 in Gforge
Summary
by MITRE
viewFile.php in the scm component of Gforge before 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the file_name parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1752 represents a critical command injection flaw within the scm component of Gforge version 4.0 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the viewFile.php script which processes file_name parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw arises from the application's failure to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in system commands. The vulnerability occurs when the application directly concatenates user-provided file_name parameter values into shell commands without proper sanitization. Attackers can exploit this by injecting shell metacharacters such as semicolons, ampersands, or backticks that allow them to chain additional commands beyond the intended file viewing operation. This type of injection vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can enable full system compromise when the application executes with elevated privileges.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using affected Gforge installations as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potentially enabling complete system compromise, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or disrupt system operations. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring local access or authentication credentials, making it particularly attractive to threat actors.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2005-1752 requires immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should upgrade to Gforge version 4.0 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation, using secure coding practices that avoid direct shell command construction with user input, and employing input whitelisting techniques would effectively mitigate this vulnerability. The solution should follow established security practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing command injection threats through proper input sanitization and secure coding methodologies. System administrators should also implement network-level protections including firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and limit access to vulnerable components.