CVE-2005-2251 in PHPSecurePages
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in secure.php in PHPSecurePages (phpSP) 0.28beta and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the cfgProgDir parameter, a variant of CVE-2001-1468.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2251 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within PHPSecurePages version 0.28beta and earlier, demonstrating a classic security weakness that has persisted across multiple years in web application development. This vulnerability specifically affects the secure.php file within the phpSP framework, where the cfgProgDir parameter serves as an entry point for malicious exploitation. The issue constitutes a direct descendant of CVE-2001-1468, indicating a recurring pattern in web application security that highlights the importance of proper input validation and parameter handling in PHP environments. The vulnerability operates through a fundamental flaw in how the application processes user-supplied input, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of the cfgProgDir parameter within the secure.php script, allowing attackers to inject malicious file paths that the application then attempts to include and execute. This flaw occurs when the application uses user-controllable input directly in file inclusion functions such as include or require without adequate sanitization or validation. The vulnerability enables attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can point to remote servers hosting malicious code, effectively bypassing local security controls and allowing for remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Code Generation" and "Remote File Inclusion" weaknesses that directly enable arbitrary code execution through file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2251 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system when successful. Once exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary commands on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where such applications may be exposed to public networks. Organizations running affected versions of PHPSecurePages face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential system compromise, as the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly interact with the server's file system through the web interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to patched versions of PHPSecurePages, as the original vendor has addressed this issue in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement input validation measures that prevent malicious parameters from being processed, including the use of allowlists for acceptable values and proper sanitization of all user inputs. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns. Organizations should also consider applying the principle of least privilege to web applications, limiting the permissions of web server processes and implementing proper access controls. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of remote services, making it a critical target for defensive measures and incident response protocols. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping web applications updated and implementing proper security controls to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in legacy software systems.