CVE-2005-3017 in Content2Web
Summary
by MITRE
PHP file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in Content2Web 1.0.1 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via the show parameter, which can lead to resultant errors such as path disclosure, SQL error messages, and cross-site scripting (XSS).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3017 represents a critical server-side include flaw within Content2Web version 1.0.1 that fundamentally compromises application security through improper input validation. This vulnerability resides in the index.php script where the show parameter fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanism. The flaw directly maps to CWE-98, which specifically addresses the inclusion of files or directories in a manner that allows attackers to access arbitrary files on the server, and aligns with CWE-20, the common weakness of input validation issues that enable code injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's reliance on user input to determine which files to include during execution, without proper validation or sanitization of the show parameter. When an attacker supplies malicious input to this parameter, the application processes the request without adequate security controls, potentially leading to the inclusion of unauthorized files from the server's file system. This creates multiple attack vectors that can be leveraged for information disclosure, as the inclusion mechanism may expose sensitive path information, database connection details, or other system artifacts through error messages. The vulnerability particularly manifests in path disclosure attacks where the system reveals internal file paths, SQL error messages that may contain database credentials or schema information, and cross-site scripting opportunities that can be exploited to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate their attacks through multiple vectors. Path disclosure vulnerabilities can reveal sensitive system information that aids in further exploitation attempts, while SQL errors may expose database structure information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The XSS component creates persistent security risks where malicious scripts can be injected into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for script-based execution and T1068 for privilege escalation through application vulnerabilities, representing a foundational weakness that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization controls that prevent arbitrary file inclusion attacks. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that restricts the show parameter to predefined, whitelisted values that correspond to legitimate application files. The implementation of proper file inclusion mechanisms that utilize absolute paths and validate file access permissions can significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, disabling the ability to include files from arbitrary locations within the application's directory structure provides a robust defense against this class of vulnerability. Regular security audits and code reviews should focus on identifying similar patterns of insecure file handling, while implementing proper error handling that prevents sensitive information disclosure in error messages. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping applications updated and patched, as Content2Web 1.0.1 represents an outdated version that likely contains additional unpatched vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and parameter manipulation attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious inclusion attempts, while establishing proper access controls that limit the application's ability to read files outside of its designated directories.