CVE-2005-2162 in MyGuestbook
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in form.inc.php3 in MyGuestbook 0.6.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2162 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the MyGuestbook 0.6.1 web application, specifically within the form.inc.php3 file. This issue 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 vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input passed through the lang parameter, allowing attackers to inject and subsequently execute malicious PHP code. The affected component operates as part of the guestbook application's language selection mechanism, where the lang parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a publicly accessible web interface. The flaw enables attackers to leverage remote code execution capabilities by manipulating the language parameter to include malicious files hosted on external servers. The attack vector typically involves crafting a malicious URL that includes a remote file reference in the lang parameter, which gets processed by the vulnerable form.inc.php3 script. This creates a chain of execution where user input directly influences the file inclusion process, bypassing normal security controls and allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and the potential for establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web application but also potentially exposes underlying server resources and databases. Organizations running MyGuestbook 0.6.1 are at risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and complete system takeover. The vulnerability's exploitability is relatively straightforward, requiring only basic web application attack knowledge, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with varying skill levels. This type of vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and maintain long-term access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2162 should prioritize immediate patching of the MyGuestbook application to version 0.6.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious input from reaching the file inclusion functionality. The recommended approach involves using a whitelist of allowed language parameters rather than accepting user input directly. Additionally, the web server configuration should be adjusted to disable remote file inclusion capabilities and restrict file access permissions. Security measures should include implementing proper access controls, disabling dangerous PHP functions like include, require, and allow_url_include, and conducting regular security audits. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection layers, while application-level controls should enforce strict parameter validation and sanitize all user inputs before processing. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping web applications updated and following secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future.