CVE-2005-3405 in ATutor
Summary
by MITRE
ATutor 1.4.1 through 1.5.1-pl1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP functions via a direct request to forum.inc.php with a modified addslashes parameter with either the (1) asc or (2) desc parameters set, possibly due to an eval injection vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3405 affects ATutor versions 1.4.1 through 1.5.1-pl1 and represents a critical remote code execution flaw that stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the forum.inc.php component. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of user-supplied parameters that are directly passed to PHP functions without adequate sanitization, creating a pathway for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The flaw manifests when attackers manipulate the addslashes parameter in conjunction with either the asc or desc parameters, which are typically used for sorting forum posts in ascending or descending order.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic eval injection pattern where user-controllable data is concatenated into PHP code execution contexts. When an attacker modifies the addslashes parameter with either asc or desc values, the application fails to properly sanitize these inputs before incorporating them into dynamic PHP operations. This oversight allows malicious input to be interpreted as executable code rather than simple data, effectively bypassing normal security controls. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote unauthenticated attackers.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected ATutor installations. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability affects the core forum functionality of ATutor, which is commonly used for educational institutions and organizations requiring online learning management systems, making the potential impact particularly significant for academic and corporate environments. The attack vector requires only a simple HTTP request to the vulnerable forum.inc.php endpoint, making it easily exploitable through automated scanning tools.
The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to CWE-74, "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')." This categorization reflects the fundamental flaw in input sanitization and the dangerous use of dynamic code execution functions within the application's codebase. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell," and more broadly with T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as it enables remote command execution through PHP code injection. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to versions beyond 1.5.1-pl1, implementing input validation controls, and applying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable forum.inc.php endpoint. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in avoiding direct concatenation of user input into executable code contexts and implementing proper parameter sanitization before any dynamic code execution occurs.