CVE-2005-2604 in My Image Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
index.php for My Image Gallery (Mig ) 1.4.1 allows remote attackers to obtain the web server path via certain currDir and image arguments, which leaks the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2015
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2604 affects My Image Gallery (Mig) version 1.4.1, a web-based image management system that allows users to upload, organize, and display digital images through a web interface. This particular flaw represents a path disclosure vulnerability that occurs within the index.php script of the application, specifically when processing certain parameters related to current directory navigation and image handling operations. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's file path resolution logic, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to extract sensitive server path information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of currDir and image arguments passed to the index.php script, which are typically used to navigate through the application's directory structure and display specific images. When these parameters contain malformed or malicious input, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the inputs before processing them, leading to the generation of error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute file system paths of the web server. This occurs because the application's error handling routine does not properly filter or escape the path information before displaying it to the user, thereby exposing the underlying server structure to potential attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked path information provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be used for subsequent attacks. The disclosed paths reveal the directory structure of the web server, potentially exposing the location of sensitive files, configuration data, and application source code. This information can be leveraged to craft more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or other path-based attacks that require knowledge of the server's file system layout. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to obtain this sensitive information without requiring authentication or prior access to the system.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and the broader category of path traversal vulnerabilities that frequently plague web applications. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file system discovery, as attackers can use the disclosed paths to map the target system's file structure. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly addressed through secure coding guidelines and can be mitigated through proper parameter sanitization, error handling, and the implementation of generic error messages that do not reveal system-specific information. Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms that restrict the allowable characters and formats for directory and image parameters, while ensuring that all error messages are properly sanitized to prevent information leakage. Additionally, the application should be updated to a newer version that addresses this vulnerability, as version 1.4.1 appears to be outdated and likely contains other unpatched security flaws. The remediation approach should include comprehensive testing of parameter handling, implementation of proper logging for suspicious inputs, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application's codebase.