CVE-2005-2255 in PhpAuction
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in PhpAuction 2.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files, include local PHP files, or obtain sensitive path information via ".." sequences in the lan parameter to (1) index.php or (2) admin/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2255 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that affects PhpAuction 2.5 software. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in the way the application handles user input parameters, particularly the lan parameter that is processed in two critical files: index.php and admin/index.php. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the lan parameter with directory traversal sequences using double dots ".." to navigate outside the intended directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the lan parameter input before using it in file operations. When a user submits a request containing ".." sequences in the lan parameter, the application processes these sequences without adequate validation, allowing attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy. This weakness enables unauthorized access to files that should remain protected, including configuration files, database connection details, and other sensitive information that might be stored in directories outside the web root. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects both the main application interface and the administrative backend, providing attackers with potential access to both user-facing and privileged functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities to include remote code execution possibilities through local file inclusion attacks. When attackers can read arbitrary files, they may discover sensitive information such as database credentials, application configuration files, or even source code that reveals additional attack vectors. The ability to include local PHP files represents a more severe threat as it could allow attackers to execute malicious code on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability also exposes sensitive path information, which can be used to map the server's file structure and identify other potential targets for further exploitation. The fact that this affects both index.php and admin/index.php means that attackers can target either the public interface or the administrative functions, depending on their objectives and the level of access they seek.
Organizations using PhpAuction 2.5 should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability effectively. Input validation and sanitization should be implemented at the application level to reject or filter out directory traversal sequences from all user-supplied parameters. The application should enforce strict path validation that ensures all file operations occur within predetermined safe directories, preventing any navigation outside of intended boundaries. Additionally, proper access controls should be implemented to ensure that administrative functions require proper authentication and authorization before allowing access to sensitive areas. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate attempts to exploit directory traversal vulnerabilities. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy, particularly those related to file inclusion and path manipulation. The remediation approach should include updating to a patched version of PhpAuction, implementing proper input validation controls, and conducting security reviews of all file handling operations to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the application or supporting systems.