CVE-2005-2997 in PHP Advanced Transfer Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in PHP Advanced Transfer Manager 1.30 allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via ".." sequences in (1) the currentdir parameter to txt.php, or the current_dir parameter to (2) htm.php or (3) html.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2997 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within PHP Advanced Transfer Manager version 1.30, exposing systems to unauthorized file access through manipulated input parameters. This issue stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied directory paths, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access sensitive files on the server. The vulnerability affects three distinct files within the application: txt.php, htm.php, and html.php, each handling directory traversal through different parameter names while maintaining the same exploitable pattern.
The technical exploitation occurs through the manipulation of directory traversal sequences using double dot notation ".." which is commonly used to move up directory levels in file systems. When attackers submit malicious input through the currentdir parameter in txt.php or current_dir parameter in htm.php and html.php, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before using them in file operations. This lack of input validation creates a path traversal condition where the application processes the attacker-controlled path directly without proper boundary checks, enabling access to files outside the intended directory scope.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to systems running the affected PHP Advanced Transfer Manager version. Attackers can potentially access configuration files, database credentials, source code, system logs, and other sensitive information that should remain protected within the application's designated directories. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure to potential system compromise, as access to certain files might reveal pathways for further exploitation or privilege escalation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This weakness is categorized under the broader category of input validation issues that affect web applications and is frequently referenced in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten, where path traversal vulnerabilities consistently rank among the most critical application security flaws. The attack pattern follows typical MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through exploitation of application vulnerabilities, where adversaries leverage path traversal to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2997 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied directory parameters undergo strict validation to prevent the inclusion of directory traversal sequences. The recommended approach involves implementing whitelisting mechanisms that only allow specific, safe directory paths or using secure file access functions that properly validate and sanitize input before processing. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version of PHP Advanced Transfer Manager that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version contains no built-in protections against such attacks. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and access controls to limit exposure and monitor for suspicious directory traversal attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.