CVE-2005-2951 in AzDGDating
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in security.inc.php in AzDGDatingLite 2.1.3, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP commands via ".." sequences and "%00" (trailing null byte) characters in the l parameter, which is used in an include_once statement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2951 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the AzDGDatingLite 2.1.3 web application, with potential impacts extending to earlier versions of the software. This security weakness resides in the security.inc.php file and specifically targets the handling of user-supplied input through the l parameter. The flaw enables malicious actors to manipulate the application's include_once statement by injecting directory traversal sequences using double dots ".." combined with null byte characters "%00". This combination allows attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions and potentially execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The vulnerability fundamentally exploits improper input validation and insecure file inclusion mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could compromise the entire web application infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as directory traversal or path traversal. The attack vector specifically leverages the include_once function in PHP, which is designed to include and evaluate a specified file only once during script execution. However, when this function receives unvalidated user input containing directory traversal sequences, it can be manipulated to access files outside the intended directory structure. The addition of the trailing null byte character "%00" further complicates the attack by potentially terminating strings in ways that bypass certain input validation checks, making the vulnerability more difficult to detect and mitigate. This type of attack demonstrates the classic pattern of insecure file handling where user-controllable variables directly influence file system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2951 extends beyond simple data theft or service disruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to achieve full remote code execution on the affected server. Successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the web application and underlying server, allowing attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive user data, modify database contents, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects not just the AzDGDatingLite application but potentially all versions up to and including 2.1.3, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple installations. Organizations running this software would face significant risks including unauthorized access to user databases, potential data breaches, and compliance violations, particularly in environments where personal information is processed. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization practices. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or null byte characters before they can reach the include_once statement. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and privilege separation, ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions. The use of secure coding practices, including the implementation of allowlists for valid file paths and the avoidance of dynamic include statements with user-controllable parameters, would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be implemented promptly, as this vulnerability has been known since 2005 and likely has remediation solutions available through vendor updates or security patches. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious patterns of directory traversal attempts, providing an additional layer of defense against this type of attack. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing remote code execution exploits.