CVE-2005-2192 in Simple Php Blog
Summary
by MITRE
SimplePHPBlog 0.4.0 stores password hashes in config/password.txt with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain passwords via a brute force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2192 affects SimplePHPBlog version 0.4.0 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's configuration management practices. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive authentication data, specifically password hashes that are stored in a publicly accessible file named config/password.txt. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in implementing proper access controls and secure data storage mechanisms, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises user authentication security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's insecure storage of password hashes within a configuration file that lacks proper access restrictions. When SimplePHPBlog 0.4.0 generates or stores password hashes, it places them in the config/password.txt file without implementing any form of access control or file permission restrictions. This configuration allows any remote attacker who can access the web server's file system or directly access the application's URL structure to retrieve the password hash file. The flaw aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should prevent sensitive data from being stored in easily accessible locations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for any system administrator or user who relies on SimplePHPBlog for content management. The exposure of password hashes enables attackers to conduct brute force attacks against the stored credentials, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple credential theft as it provides attackers with the foundation for further exploitation attempts, including privilege escalation and persistent access to the compromised system. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1110, which encompasses credential access through brute force methods, and demonstrates how poor configuration management can enable sophisticated attack vectors.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be automated using standard penetration testing tools, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Attackers can simply request the config/password.txt file through web browser or automated tools, then apply password cracking techniques against the retrieved hash values. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that the weak access controls remain in place throughout the application's operation, continuously exposing the system to unauthorized access attempts. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability reflects a common pattern in legacy web applications where security considerations were not adequately addressed during development phases, highlighting the importance of implementing proper access controls and secure configuration management practices.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate implementation of proper file access controls, ensuring that the config/password.txt file is not accessible through the web root, and enforcing strict file permissions that prevent unauthorized access. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as password hash salting, account lockout mechanisms, and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the application. The remediation process should include reviewing all configuration files for similar access control issues and implementing a comprehensive security policy that governs how sensitive data is stored and accessed within the application environment.