CVE-2005-2296 in Yabb
Summary
by MITRE
YabbSE 1.5.5c allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to ssi_examples.php, which reveals the path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2296 affects YabbSE version 1.5.5c, a web-based forum software that was widely used in the mid-2000s. This security flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that exposes critical system details to remote attackers without requiring authentication or privileged access. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users make direct requests to the ssi_examples.php file within the application's directory structure. This particular file serves as a demonstration script for the software's Simple Machines Forum integration features, but it inadvertently reveals sensitive path information when accessed directly rather than through the intended application interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure flaws in software systems. When an attacker accesses ssi_examples.php directly, the application fails to properly validate the request context or implement appropriate access controls. This allows the script to output directory paths and potentially other system information that should remain hidden from external users. The flaw essentially represents a lack of proper input validation and access control mechanisms, where the application does not differentiate between legitimate usage scenarios and malicious direct access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the software does not implement proper authorization checks or context awareness before revealing system-specific information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations running affected YabbSE installations. The exposure of directory paths provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks against the system. Knowledge of the actual file system structure can enable attackers to identify potential file inclusion vulnerabilities, locate backup files, or discover other sensitive system components. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as this path information can serve as a foundation for further exploitation attempts such as local file inclusion attacks or directory traversal exploits. Security professionals would classify this vulnerability as moderate to high severity due to its potential to facilitate more advanced attack vectors.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2296 involve implementing proper access controls and input validation measures within the affected application. Organizations should ensure that ssi_examples.php and similar demonstration scripts are properly secured by implementing authentication checks or by removing these files from production environments. The solution typically involves configuring the web server to restrict direct access to these scripts or implementing proper authorization controls within the application code itself. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls or security modules that can detect and block direct access attempts to sensitive files. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper file access control mechanisms and demonstrates why the principle of least privilege should be applied to all web application components, including demonstration or example files. The remediation approach should align with defense-in-depth strategies that prevent attackers from gaining unauthorized access to system information through multiple attack vectors.