CVE-2005-2394 in CuteNews
Summary
by MITRE
show_news.php in CuteNews 1.3.6 allows remote attackers to obtain the full path of the server via an invalid archive parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2394 affects CuteNews version 1.3.6 and represents a path disclosure issue within the show_news.php script. This flaw enables remote attackers to extract sensitive server path information by manipulating the archive parameter, which exposes the complete file system path where the application is installed. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the application's news display functionality, specifically when processing archive-related parameters that should be properly sanitized before being used in file operations.
This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure as defined by CWE-200, where sensitive system information is exposed to unauthorized users. The technical implementation involves the application failing to properly validate user-supplied input parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject crafted archive values that trigger error messages containing the full server path. The flaw exists because the show_news.php script does not implement proper parameter sanitization or input filtering mechanisms before using the archive parameter in file system operations. This creates an exploitable condition where the application's error handling routine inadvertently reveals the absolute path structure of the web server's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond mere information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical infrastructure information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. Once the full server path is known, threat actors can craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific file locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation, arbitrary code execution, or further reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability represents a significant risk in environments where the CuteNews application is deployed, as it provides attackers with foundational information needed for advanced exploitation techniques. This type of exposure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) where adversaries gather information about the file system structure to plan their attack strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2394 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters. The primary solution involves modifying the show_news.php script to validate and sanitize the archive parameter before processing, ensuring that only legitimate values are accepted. Organizations should implement proper error handling that does not expose system paths in error messages, following secure coding practices that prevent information leakage. Additionally, input validation should be enhanced to reject malformed or unexpected parameter values, and the application should be updated to a patched version of CuteNews that addresses this vulnerability. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can also help detect and block malicious parameter injection attempts, while regular security audits should verify that similar input validation issues do not exist in other application components. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that error messages no longer reveal server path information while maintaining the application's intended functionality.