CVE-2005-2198 in SPiD
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in lang.php in SPiD before 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the lang_path parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2198 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the SPiD content management system prior to version 1.3.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the lang.php script which handles language file inclusion functionality. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the lang_path parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary file paths that can be executed on the target server. The vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object reference issues and aligns with CWE-98 which describes improper control of code generation and execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the lang_path parameter to include malicious file paths that point to remote resources or local files containing malicious code. The vulnerability enables remote code execution because the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file inclusion operations without proper validation. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the vulnerable system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and inadequate parameter validation that violates fundamental security principles for web application development. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload and execute malicious payloads, establish backdoors, or perform further reconnaissance on the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with complete control over the affected server. Successful exploitation can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running vulnerable versions of SPiD face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and service disruption. The vulnerability affects web applications that rely on dynamic language file inclusion, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users can interact with the application. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit the vulnerability, making it highly attractive for automated attacks and large-scale exploitation campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 1.3.1 or later where the issue has been resolved through proper input validation and sanitization of the lang_path parameter. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation and sanitization techniques to prevent malicious input from being processed. The use of allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen directives in php.ini should be disabled to prevent remote file inclusion attacks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls, input validation, and output encoding can provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious patterns in URL parameters and file inclusion operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which describes the use of remote file inclusion to execute arbitrary code. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications and systems. The fix should also include implementing proper access controls and restricting file inclusion operations to predefined, trusted paths only.