CVE-2005-2003 in Ultimate PHP Board
Summary
by MITRE
Ultimate PHP Board (UPB) 1.9.6 GOLD allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid (zero) id parameter to (1) viewtopic.php, (2) profile.php, or (3) newpost.php, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2003 affects Ultimate PHP Board version 1.9.6 GOLD, a web-based discussion forum application that was widely used in the mid-2000s. This security flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an attacker supplies an invalid zero value for the id parameter in three key script files: viewtopic.php, profile.php, and newpost.php. The application's inadequate input sanitization and error handling mechanisms cause the system to expose sensitive server path information through error messages generated during the processing of malformed input.
The technical flaw stems from the application's lack of proper parameter validation and error handling procedures. When a zero value is passed as the id parameter, the system attempts to process this invalid input without proper sanitization checks. This results in the application generating error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute file path of the server installation. Such path disclosure vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they provide attackers with critical information about the server's file structure, which can be leveraged for further exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and secure error handling practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of affected systems. Attackers can use the disclosed path information to craft more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to directory traversal exploits, file inclusion vulnerabilities, or other advanced attack vectors. The exposure of server paths can also aid in reconnaissance activities, allowing threat actors to map the application's architecture and identify potential targets for further exploitation. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that do not implement proper error handling mechanisms, making it a common issue in legacy PHP applications from that era. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability affects multiple core application functions, increasing the attack surface and potential damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and secure error handling practices. The primary solution involves modifying the application code to validate all input parameters before processing them, specifically rejecting invalid values such as zero or negative numbers for id parameters. Additionally, the application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages from being displayed to end users, instead logging these errors internally for administrators. This approach aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1212, which focuses on exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and input sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly validated against expected formats and ranges. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in web applications, particularly in the context of preventing information leakage that could facilitate more serious security breaches.