CVE-2005-2163 in PHP Script
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in AutoIndex PHP Script 1.5.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the search parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2025
The CVE-2005-2163 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in the AutoIndex PHP Script version 1.5.2, specifically affecting the index.php file. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user input through the search parameter, creating a significant security risk for web applications that rely on this script for directory indexing and file browsing functionality. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code into the application's response, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the AutoIndex PHP Script's search functionality. When users submit search queries through the web interface, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into the HTML response. This inadequate data handling creates an environment where malicious actors can embed JavaScript code or HTML tags that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability specifically affects the search parameter, which serves as the primary vector for injection attacks, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can persist and execute whenever the affected page is accessed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the affected web environment. Users who access the compromised AutoIndex page may unknowingly execute malicious code that could steal session cookies, redirect them to phishing sites, or perform unauthorized actions on their behalf. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications. This flaw directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the injection vulnerability category that undermines application security and user trust.
Organizations utilizing AutoIndex PHP Script version 1.5.2 should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including input validation, output encoding, and proper sanitization of all user-supplied data. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper HTML escaping mechanisms for all dynamic content and ensuring that search parameters are thoroughly validated before processing. Security practitioners should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and reduce the impact of successful XSS attacks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a fundamental web application security flaw requiring comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a web application attack vector under the T1059.007 technique for script injection, emphasizing the importance of proper input sanitization in preventing exploitation. Organizations should prioritize updating to patched versions of AutoIndex PHP Script or implementing web application firewalls to protect against exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.