CVE-2005-3079 in PunBB
Summary
by MITRE
PunBB before 1.2.8 allows remote attackers to perform "code inclusion" via the user language selection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3079 represents a critical code inclusion flaw in PunBB versions prior to 1.2.8 that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code through the user language selection mechanism. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's language handling functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's ability to process user-selected language parameters, which are improperly validated before being used in code execution contexts. This flaw aligns with CWE-94, which describes insufficient validation of code execution inputs, and represents a classic example of a code injection vulnerability that can be exploited through user-controllable input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when PunBB processes user language selection parameters without adequate sanitization or validation of the input values. Attackers can manipulate the language selection mechanism to include malicious code or references to external resources that will be executed within the application context. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of code through web shells or similar mechanisms. The flaw allows for remote code execution because the application does not properly validate or sanitize user input before incorporating it into code execution paths, creating a direct pathway for attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands on the server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected PunBB installation. Successful exploitation can result in full system compromise, data theft, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local access or credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Organizations running vulnerable versions of PunBB face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential use as a staging ground for further attacks. The vulnerability also impacts the application's integrity and availability, as attackers can modify or delete content, alter user permissions, and potentially cause denial of service conditions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3079 focus primarily on upgrading to PunBB version 1.2.8 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the code inclusion flaw. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and application-level controls. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting the application's file system access and ensuring that language selection mechanisms only accept pre-approved language codes. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual language parameter usage patterns, and regular security assessments should verify that all input handling mechanisms properly validate and sanitize user-provided data. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques for code injection prevention, including proper input validation, output encoding, and runtime application control measures to prevent unauthorized code execution.