CVE-2005-2258 in Squito Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in photolist.inc.php in Squito Gallery 1.33 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the photoroot parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2258 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Squito Gallery 1.33 web application, specifically affecting the photolist.inc.php component. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and remote code execution risks that have been consistently documented in cybersecurity literature. The flaw arises from the application's improper handling of user-supplied input through the photoroot parameter, which is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization measures. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious file paths that can lead to arbitrary code execution on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL that includes a crafted photoroot parameter value pointing to a remote malicious file. When the photolist.inc.php script processes this parameter, it uses the user-provided input to construct a file inclusion path, thereby executing code from the attacker-controlled remote location. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-88 due to the improper handling of command line arguments that can result in arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper input validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and inject malicious content into the application's execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, or execute commands that may lead to privilege escalation within the affected system. The vulnerability affects web servers running Squito Gallery 1.33 and exposes them to attacks that can be executed from any location with internet access, making it particularly attractive to automated attack tools. Organizations using this vulnerable software face significant risks including unauthorized data access, system takeover, and potential use as a launching point for broader network attacks. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which describes the use of remote code execution capabilities to gain persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2258 require immediate implementation of several security controls to protect affected systems. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-provided security patches or upgrading to a patched version of Squito Gallery. Organizations should also implement input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application. Network-level defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper file inclusion practices such as using allowlists for valid file paths and avoiding dynamic file inclusion based on user input can prevent similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input handling and file operations should be conducted to identify and remediate similar flaws in other applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing injection flaws and remote code execution vulnerabilities.