CVE-2005-2157 in nabopoll
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in survey.inc.php for nabopoll 1.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2157 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the nabopoll 1.2 survey application's survey.inc.php component. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize the path parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious file paths that are subsequently included and executed by the PHP interpreter. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain full system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the path parameter within the survey.inc.php file, which is designed to include various survey-related components. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload that includes a remote URL or file path, the application's insufficient input validation allows the inclusion of external code, effectively turning the legitimate include functionality into a weapon for code execution. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw that aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and represents a variant of the broader category of code injection attacks. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the vulnerable system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and conduct further reconnaissance within the compromised environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for attacks on other systems within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive to threat actors. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the execution phase of the kill chain and can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting, as it enables command execution through PHP code injection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2157 require immediate patching of the nabopoll application to version 1.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement input validation measures that prevent the inclusion of external URLs or file paths, particularly by disabling the allow_url_include directive in PHP configurations. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable parameter, and conduct thorough security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable applications within the infrastructure. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege should also be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.