CVE-2005-3548 in IP.Board
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Task Manager in Invision Power Board (IP.Board) 2.0.1 allows limited remote attackers to include files via a .. (dot dot) in the "Task PHP File To Run" field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3548 represents a directory traversal flaw within the Task Manager component of Invision Power Board version 2.0.1, a widely used web-based forum software platform. This security weakness exists in the handling of file paths within the administrative task execution functionality, creating a potential avenue for unauthorized file access and system compromise. The vulnerability specifically affects the "Task PHP File To Run" field where user input is processed without adequate validation or sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the Task Manager module. When administrators configure tasks that execute PHP files, the system accepts user-supplied paths containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) without proper filtering or normalization. This allows malicious actors to manipulate the file inclusion process and potentially access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability operates at the file system level where the application fails to properly resolve or validate the absolute paths of files to be executed, creating a path traversal condition that can be exploited through crafted input in the designated field.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the web application. Remote attackers with limited access privileges can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to critical system resources, including database credentials, administrative scripts, and other sensitive files that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The vulnerability essentially undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing unauthorized file access through the legitimate administrative task execution interface.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of malicious code through web shells or file inclusion vulnerabilities. Organizations utilizing Invision Power Board 2.0.1 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, path normalization, and the removal of unnecessary file execution capabilities within administrative interfaces. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs, implementing proper file access controls, and ensuring that the application operates with minimal necessary privileges to prevent escalation of compromised access.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of input validation in web applications, particularly within administrative components where elevated privileges are granted. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in path handling can create significant security risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and adherence to secure coding practices. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their web applications to identify similar path traversal vulnerabilities and implement robust input validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized file access and system compromise.