CVE-2005-3026 in Epay
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in Alstrasoft Epay Pro 2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the read parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3026 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Alstrasoft Epay Pro 2.0 payment processing system and earlier versions. This security weakness resides in the index.php script which fails to properly validate user input before processing file operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application accepts a read parameter containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters, enabling attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing directory traversal sequences in the read parameter of the index.php script. The application processes this input without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing the attacker to specify file paths that extend beyond the intended application directory. This flaw enables unauthorized access to sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, source code, and potentially system files that should remain protected from external access. The impact is particularly severe because Epay Pro is a payment processing system that likely handles sensitive financial data, making the exposure of system files potentially catastrophic for both the organization and its customers.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using Alstrasoft Epay Pro 2.0 or earlier versions as it allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized file access operations without authentication. The attack vector is straightforward and can be executed from any location with internet connectivity, making it highly dangerous for online payment systems that process financial transactions. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 discovery technique, which involves techniques for finding files and directories on a system. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and financial losses if this vulnerability is exploited, particularly given the sensitive nature of payment processing systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3026 should prioritize immediate application of vendor patches or updates to versions that address the directory traversal vulnerability. System administrators should implement input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file operations, and enforce strict path validation to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The implementation of proper access controls and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit the impact of any potential exploitation. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their payment processing systems and implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.