CVE-2005-1998 in McGallery
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin.php in McGallery 1.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1998 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the McGallery 1.1 web application's administrative interface. This security weakness exists in the admin.php script where user input is not properly sanitized before being used to construct file paths. The vulnerability specifically affects the lang parameter which processes language selection inputs without adequate validation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access through directory traversal sequences. The flaw stems from the application's failure to implement proper input filtering mechanisms that would prevent attackers from navigating outside the intended directory structure.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of input validation in the language parameter processing logic. When an attacker submits a crafted payload containing .. (dot dot) sequences within the lang parameter, the application interprets these sequences as directory navigation commands rather than malicious input. The system then attempts to locate and serve files based on the modified path, potentially granting access to sensitive system files that should remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive data that could compromise the entire system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the compromised system. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal. The attack vector enables unauthorized information disclosure and could potentially lead to complete system compromise, depending on the permissions of the web application and the sensitivity of files accessible through this vulnerability. Organizations running affected versions of McGallery should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques. The most effective approach involves filtering all user-supplied input to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed, particularly by removing or encoding special characters such as .. and / that could manipulate file paths. Security measures should also include implementing proper access controls and privilege separation to ensure that the web application operates with minimal necessary permissions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules that specifically target path traversal attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar flaws in web applications. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of McGallery, implementing proper file access controls, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts.