CVE-2005-2775 in phpWebNotes
Summary
by MITRE
php_api.php in phpWebNotes 2.0.0 uses the extract function to modify key variables such as $t_path_core, which leads to a PHP file inclusion vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the t_path_core parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2775 resides within the phpWebNotes 2.0.0 web application, specifically in the php_api.php file where the extract function is improperly utilized to process user-supplied input. This flaw represents a classic example of insecure input handling that directly enables remote code execution through manipulation of critical system variables. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to inject malicious data into the t_path_core parameter, which then gets processed through the extract function, thereby compromising the application's variable scope and potentially enabling arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the dangerous use of PHP's extract function without proper sanitization or validation of input parameters. When the extract function processes the t_path_core parameter, it creates new variables in the current symbol table based on the input data, effectively allowing attackers to override critical application variables such as $t_path_core. This creates a path traversal and code inclusion vulnerability where malicious input can manipulate the application's execution flow and potentially load arbitrary PHP files from remote locations. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-94, which describes the weakness of allowing untrusted data to control the flow of execution in a program, and more specifically to CWE-434 which addresses insecure file upload or download scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breach scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not require physical access to the system and can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters, as the exploitation involves PHP code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2775 should focus on immediate code-level fixes and broader security practices. The primary remediation involves removing or properly sanitizing the extract function usage in php_api.php by implementing strict input validation and avoiding dynamic variable creation from untrusted sources. Organizations should implement proper parameter validation, use secure coding practices that avoid the extract function with user input, and ensure that all input parameters are properly escaped or filtered before processing. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The use of PHP's register_globals directive should be disabled, and applications should be updated to more recent versions of phpWebNotes that address this vulnerability, as the original version is no longer supported and likely contains additional unpatched security flaws.