CVE-2005-2567 in SysCP
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in SysCP 1.2.10 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2567 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in SysCP version 1.2.10 and earlier systems. This vulnerability exists within the web-based control panel software that manages hosting environments and server configurations. The flaw specifically manifests in how the application processes user-supplied input through the language parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure input handling and demonstrates poor sanitization of user-provided data within the application's core functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the language parameter to include a remote file containing malicious PHP code. The application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing, allowing attackers to specify external URLs or file paths that get included and executed within the context of the web server. This flaw enables attackers to execute commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution issue that directly violates security principles of input validation and secure coding practices. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically addresses the execution of arbitrary code through improper input handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, create backdoors, steal sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a launching point for attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire hosting environment, potentially compromising multiple websites and services hosted on the same server. This weakness particularly impacts web hosting providers who rely on SysCP for their control panel functionality, as a successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to customer data and complete server control. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and demonstrates how attackers can leverage web application flaws to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2567 require immediate action to address the root cause of the vulnerability. The most effective approach involves upgrading to SysCP version 1.2.11 or later, which contains patches specifically designed to address this remote file inclusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to ensure that all user-supplied parameters are thoroughly checked before processing. The application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion features and restrict file inclusion to local, trusted sources only. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Security hardening practices including disabling unnecessary PHP functions and implementing proper access controls should be applied to minimize the attack surface. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and regular security audits to detect and prevent potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security controls to protect against known exploitation techniques that target web application frameworks.