CVE-2005-2199 in Ppa Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in inc/functions.inc.php in PPA web photo gallery 0.5.6 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the config[ppa_root_path] variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2199 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the PPA web photo gallery version 0.5.6 software. This vulnerability exists in the inc/functions.inc.php file where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the config[ppa_root_path] variable. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate this parameter and include arbitrary files from remote locations, effectively enabling code execution on the target system. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of file paths and lack of input validation mechanisms that should prevent external file inclusion attacks.
This security weakness directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, specifically in the context of command and buffer injection. The vulnerability enables attackers to leverage the remote file inclusion technique to execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any internet-connected attacker. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, specifically targeting the web application layer.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can use this vulnerability to install backdoors, steal sensitive data, modify web content, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application and its underlying infrastructure, potentially exposing user data and system resources to unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2199 should focus on immediate patching of the affected PPA web photo gallery version 0.5.6 to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as file paths. The application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion functionality entirely and restrict file path parameters to local directories only. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications and ensure proper configuration management practices are maintained across all systems.