CVE-2005-1964 in Ovidentia
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in utilit.php for Ovidentia Portal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the babInstallPath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1964 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Ovidentia Portal content management system, specifically within the utilit.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution, with the flaw being classified as a CWE-98 weakness related to improper input validation. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the babInstallPath parameter, which allows remote attackers to manipulate the script's behavior by injecting malicious file paths. When an attacker supplies a crafted babInstallPath value, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating an opportunity for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Ovidentia Portal application processes the babInstallPath parameter without adequate validation mechanisms. The utilit.php script likely uses this parameter to determine which files to include or execute, making it susceptible to manipulation through specially crafted input. Attackers can leverage this weakness by providing a malicious URL or file path that points to external resources, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain full administrative control over the affected system. The flaw exists due to insufficient input sanitization and lacks proper parameter validation, which is a fundamental security principle that should prevent such attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1964 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations using the Ovidentia Portal system. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Attackers can use this vulnerability to deploy web shells, install backdoors, or perform other malicious activities that compromise the integrity and availability of the affected portal. The vulnerability also poses risks to the broader network infrastructure as attackers can use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks. Organizations may experience significant downtime, regulatory compliance issues, and potential financial losses due to the unauthorized access and data exposure that can result from exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. System administrators must apply the vendor-supplied patches or updates that address the insecure file inclusion mechanism in utilit.php. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures is essential, including the use of allowlists for acceptable parameter values and the removal of dangerous PHP functions such as include, require, and their variants from the application code. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and proper access controls should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable scripts. Security monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for execution of malicious code, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure proper security configuration management practices are in place to prevent future incidents of this nature.