CVE-2005-3529 in TikiWiki
Summary
by MITRE
tiki-view_forum_thread.php in TikiWiki 1.9.0 through 1.9.2 allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via an invalid topics_sort_mode parameter, possibly related to an SQL injection vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3529 affects TikiWiki versions 1.9.0 through 1.9.2 and represents a path disclosure issue that occurs in the tiki-view_forum_thread.php script. This flaw allows remote attackers to extract sensitive installation path information by manipulating the topics_sort_mode parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's forum thread viewing functionality. When an invalid topics_sort_mode parameter is submitted, the application fails to properly sanitize the input before processing, leading to the exposure of the server's file system paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into database queries or system operations. This particular flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and CWE-200, which covers information exposure. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the application's error handling mechanisms to reveal directory structures and installation paths, which can provide attackers with critical information for subsequent exploitation attempts. The SQL injection aspect mentioned in the description suggests that the vulnerability may also enable attackers to perform database reconnaissance, potentially leading to more severe consequences.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of affected TikiWiki installations by providing attackers with detailed information about the server's file system structure. The disclosed paths can reveal the exact location where TikiWiki is installed, potentially exposing sensitive directory layouts and aiding in the planning of more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use this information to craft targeted attacks against specific file locations, understand the application's architecture, or identify potential weaknesses in the server's configuration. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or any prior authentication credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can serve as a foundational step in more complex attack chains. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file discovery, and T1213, which addresses data from information repositories. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation for all user-supplied parameters, proper error handling that does not expose system information, and the application of security patches released by TikiWiki developers. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper parameter validation in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise the overall security of web applications.