CVE-2005-3347 in phpgroupware
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in index.php in phpSysInfo 2.4 and earlier, as used in phpgroupware 0.9.16 and earlier, and egrouwpware before 1.0.0.009, allow remote attackers to include arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the (1) sensor_program parameter or the (2) _SERVER[HTTP_ACCEPT_LANGUAGE] parameter, which overwrites an internal variable, a variant of CVE-2003-0536. NOTE: due to a typo in an advisory, an issue in osh was inadvertently linked to this identifier; the proper identifier for the osh issue is CVE-2005-3346.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3347 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting multiple web applications that utilize phpSysInfo version 2.4 or earlier. This vulnerability specifically impacts phpgroupware versions 0.9.16 and earlier, as well as egrouwpware versions prior to 1.0.0.009, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these systems. The flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors involving the sensor_program parameter and the _SERVER[HTTP_ACCEPT_LANGUAGE] parameter, both of which can be manipulated to overwrite internal variables and execute arbitrary file inclusion attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data within the index.php script. When attackers craft malicious requests containing .. (dot dot) sequences in either the sensor_program parameter or the HTTP_ACCEPT_LANGUAGE header, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before processing them. This allows the attacker to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended application scope. The vulnerability operates at the core level where internal variables are overwritten, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially enabling full system compromise. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3347 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute malicious code on the affected servers. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. The vulnerability affects not just individual applications but entire ecosystems where phpSysInfo is integrated, as demonstrated by its presence in both phpgroupware and egrouwpware platforms. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face risks including data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks, as the compromised systems could serve as entry points for broader attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected applications to the latest supported versions where the directory traversal issues have been addressed. System administrators should implement input validation measures at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and server-side sanitization of all user inputs. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file access permissions and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized file system access. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected components within their infrastructure that might be using vulnerable versions of phpSysInfo or similar components. Regular security monitoring and log analysis can help detect exploitation attempts, while network segmentation can limit the potential damage from successful attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised systems. Organizations should also implement proper security configuration management practices to ensure that all web applications maintain current security patches and follow secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases.