CVE-2005-2559 in ePing Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
doping.php in ePing plugin 1.02 and earlier for e107 portal allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or overwrite files via (1) shell metacharacters in the eping_count parameter or (2) restricted shell metacharacters such as ">" and "&" in the eping_host parameter, which is not handled by the validation function.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2559 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the ePing plugin version 1.02 and earlier for the e107 content management system. This vulnerability specifically targets the doping.php script which serves as a core component of the plugin's functionality. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data, creating pathways for malicious actors to inject harmful commands into the system. The vulnerability affects a widely used open source CMS platform, making it particularly concerning given the potential for widespread exploitation across numerous websites.
The technical exploitation occurs through two distinct attack vectors that leverage different aspects of command injection vulnerabilities. The first vector involves shell metacharacters within the eping_count parameter, while the second vector targets the eping_host parameter with restricted shell metacharacters including the greater than symbol ">" and ampersand "&". These characters are commonly used in shell command contexts to redirect output or chain commands, making them particularly dangerous when processed without proper sanitization. The vulnerability's root cause lies in the absence of proper validation functions that should filter out potentially malicious input before it is processed by the system's command execution mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential file overwrite capabilities, which significantly amplifies the damage potential. Attackers could not only execute arbitrary commands on the affected server but could also overwrite critical system files, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data loss. This dual nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly attractive to malicious actors as it provides both persistent access and the ability to cause deliberate damage to the target system. The vulnerability affects the entire e107 platform ecosystem, potentially compromising thousands of websites that rely on this plugin for network monitoring functionality.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and improper neutralization of special elements used in code. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a command and scripting interpreter technique, specifically targeting the execution of malicious commands through vulnerable input parameters. The lack of proper input validation and sanitization creates a pathway for attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. Organizations should immediately implement patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as the ePing plugin versions affected are outdated and no longer supported by the vendor. Mitigation strategies should include input validation at multiple layers, proper sanitization of all user inputs, and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit these command injection vulnerabilities.