CVE-2005-2865 in aMember
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in aMember Pro 2.3.4 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the config[root_dir] parameter to (1) mysql.inc.php, (2) efsnet.inc.php, (3) theinternetcommerce.inc.php, (4) cdg.inc.php, (5) compuworld.inc.php, (6) directone.inc.php, (7) authorize_aim.inc.php, (8) beanstream.inc.php, (9) config.inc.php, (10) eprocessingnetwork.inc.php, (11) eway.inc.php, (12) linkpoint.inc.php, (13) logiccommerce.inc.php, (14) netbilling.inc.php, (15) payflow_pro.inc.php, (16) paymentsgateway.inc.php, (17) payos.inc.php, (18) payready.inc.php, or (19) plugnplay.inc.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
The CVE-2005-2865 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting aMember Pro version 2.3.4, which falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation issues. This vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input parameters, specifically the config[root_dir] parameter that is processed across multiple include files within the payment processing module. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's include mechanism and load arbitrary PHP files from remote servers, creating a pathway for remote code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument delimiters in a command, and CWE-94, which covers improper execution of code through code injection. The attack vector operates through the exploitation of PHP's include functionality, where unvalidated input is directly concatenated into file path references, allowing malicious actors to inject URLs pointing to attacker-controlled remote servers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites and can be executed through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the config[root_dir] parameter in any of the nineteen affected include files. When an attacker submits a malicious value for the root_dir parameter, the application processes this input without proper sanitization and incorporates it directly into the include statement, effectively allowing the remote server to execute arbitrary PHP code within the context of the web application. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure coding standards. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise, as the executed code runs with the privileges of the web server process. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in remote services, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters for execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2865 is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web application and potentially the underlying server. Successful exploitation can lead to data breaches, server compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive user information stored within the aMember Pro system. The vulnerability affects multiple payment gateway integrations, amplifying the potential impact across various financial transaction processing modules. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of credential theft, financial fraud, and system infiltration. The vulnerability's widespread nature across multiple include files means that exploitation can occur through various attack vectors, making it difficult to defend against completely. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability predates modern security practices and represents a common flaw that was prevalent in web applications of that era, highlighting the importance of input validation and secure coding practices. The exploitability of this vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its remote nature and the fact that it requires no authentication to execute, making it an attractive target for automated attacks and botnets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2865 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary fix involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in include statements. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of aMember Pro, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing a whitelist approach for file inclusion parameters, using absolute paths instead of dynamic inputs, and disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configuration can significantly reduce risk. Security measures should include input filtering using regular expressions to prevent malicious URL patterns, implementing proper error handling to avoid information disclosure, and conducting regular security audits of include and require statements. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability also underscores the need for comprehensive security training for developers, emphasizing secure coding practices and the importance of validating all user inputs. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging of file inclusion operations to detect potential exploitation attempts. Given the age of this vulnerability, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security controls to prevent similar issues in modern applications.