CVE-2005-2685 in SaveWebPortal
Summary
by MITRE
SaveWebPortal 3.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a direct request to admin/PhpMyExplorer/editerfichier.php, then editing the desired file to contain the PHP code, as demonstrated using header.php in the fichier parameter. NOTE: it is possible that this vulnerability stems from PhpMyExplorer, which is a separate package.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
This vulnerability exists in SaveWebPortal 3.4 which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through a specific attack vector involving the PhpMyExplorer component. The flaw occurs when an attacker makes a direct request to the admin/PhpMyExplorer/editerfichier.php script and then modifies a targeted file to include malicious PHP code. The demonstration shows how an attacker could manipulate the fichier parameter to inject code into header.php, effectively gaining remote code execution capabilities on the affected system. This represents a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the web server with the privileges of the web application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the file editing functionality. When the editerfichier.php script processes the fichier parameter without adequate sanitization, it allows attackers to specify any file path within the application's directory structure. This lack of proper authorization checking means that authenticated users with access to the admin interface can manipulate file contents, while the vulnerability extends to unauthenticated attackers who can leverage the direct access to the script itself. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw, which can be categorized under CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code and CWE-74 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server. Once an attacker successfully executes arbitrary PHP code, they can perform actions such as reading sensitive files, modifying database contents, installing backdoors, or even escalating privileges to gain system-level access. The attack can be performed without requiring specific user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent access, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against internal networks. The potential for data breach and system compromise makes this vulnerability a high-priority concern for organizations using SaveWebPortal 3.4.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the SaveWebPortal application and the underlying PhpMyExplorer component. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file operations. Access controls must be strengthened to ensure that only authorized personnel can access administrative functions and file editing capabilities. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to administrative interfaces and prevent direct access to vulnerable scripts. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The remediation process should also include monitoring for unauthorized file modifications and implementing file integrity checking mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping third-party components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent code injection attacks.