CVE-2005-2564 in Gravity Board X
Summary
by MITRE
Direct static code injection vulnerability in editcss.php in Gravity Board X (GBX) 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code, HTML, and script via the csscontent parameter, which is directly inserted into the gbxfinal.css file.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2564 represents a critical direct static code injection flaw within the Gravity Board X (GBX) 1.1 web application. This vulnerability exists in the editcss.php component where user-supplied input is inadequately sanitized before being written to a CSS file. The affected parameter csscontent is directly inserted into the gbxfinal.css file without proper validation or encoding mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary code. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and falls within the broader category of code injection vulnerabilities. This weakness allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code, HTML content, and client-side scripts, fundamentally compromising the application's integrity and security posture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the csscontent parameter in the editcss.php script. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application processes the data without sufficient sanitization and writes it directly to the gbxfinal.css file. This direct insertion mechanism bypasses all standard input validation and output encoding controls, enabling attackers to inject PHP code that will be executed when the CSS file is processed or accessed by the web application. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate CSS editing functionality into a code execution vector, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying system. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers "Server-side Template Injection" and represents a form of server-side code injection where the attacker's payload is executed in the context of the web server.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2564 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system compromise, and persistent access. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The injection of HTML and script content allows for cross-site scripting attacks that can target other users of the application, while the PHP code execution capability enables attackers to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or conduct further reconnaissance. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as the injected code remains in the CSS file and continues to execute until manually removed or the application is patched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2564 must address both the immediate vulnerability and implement comprehensive input validation controls. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input sanitization and validation for all user-supplied data, particularly in parameters that are directly written to files. The application should employ proper output encoding when handling CSS content to prevent injection of executable code. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the impact of successful exploitation. Security measures should include input validation that rejects or sanitizes potentially dangerous characters and patterns, while also implementing file permission controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to CSS files. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding, principles that are fundamental to secure coding practices and are specifically addressed by security standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.