CVE-2005-2607 in Simplicity oF Upload
Summary
by MITRE
PHP file include vulnerability in download.php in PHPSimplicity Simplicity oF Upload before 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary local and remote files via the language parameter and a terminating null ("%00") characters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2607 represents a critical file inclusion flaw within the PHPSimplicity Simplicity oF Upload script prior to version 1.3.1. This vulnerability exists in the download.php component and demonstrates a classic insecure file inclusion vulnerability that has been documented in numerous security assessments over the years. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the language parameter, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion behavior.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the insertion of a null byte character sequence %00 into the language parameter value, which effectively terminates the string processing and allows subsequent file inclusion operations to proceed with attacker-controlled paths. This technique exploits the underlying PHP behavior where null bytes can be used to truncate strings and bypass certain input validation checks. The vulnerability enables both local file inclusion attacks where attackers can access system files and remote file inclusion attacks where malicious code can be loaded from external servers. This dual capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be used to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited by malicious actors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and potentially gain shell access to the affected server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a file upload script, which typically operates with elevated privileges and has access to system resources. This creates a significant attack surface that can be exploited to move laterally within networks or to establish persistent access points. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly found in legacy applications and highlights the importance of proper sanitization of user inputs in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching to version 1.3.1 or later of the PHPSimplicity Simplicity oF Upload script, which would address the insecure file inclusion logic. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and sanitization techniques, including the use of allowlists for parameter values, proper encoding of user inputs, and the removal of dangerous functions such as include or require when processing user-supplied data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-98 and CWE-88 categories, which specifically address insecure file inclusion and command injection issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication, privilege escalation, and execution through file inclusion methods. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious file inclusion patterns and ensure that file upload functionality is properly restricted and validated to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles.