CVE-2005-3558 in OSTE
Summary
by MITRE
PHP file inclusion vulnerability in index.php in OSTE 1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) page and (2) site parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The CVE-2005-3558 vulnerability represents a critical server-side request forgery and code execution flaw discovered in the OSTE 1.0 content management system. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference issue that enables remote attackers to manipulate application behavior through crafted input parameters. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's parameter handling logic, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary parameters named page and site within the index.php script. When these parameters are not properly validated or sanitized, attackers can manipulate their values to include malicious file paths or URLs that the application will subsequently process and execute. This creates a server-side file inclusion vulnerability that falls under the CWE-98 weakness category, specifically classified as "Insecure Direct Object Reference" where the application uses user-supplied input to construct file paths without adequate validation. The vulnerability allows for both local and remote file inclusion attacks, depending on the target configuration and the attacker's access level.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3558 is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling full system compromise and persistent access for attackers. Successful exploitation can result in complete control over the affected server, allowing malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network resources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through phishing or exploitation of web applications.
The security implications extend beyond immediate code execution to encompass broader system integrity and confidentiality concerns. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially access database credentials, user information, or other sensitive application data stored on the compromised system. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in secure coding standards and best practices. Organizations running OSTE 1.0 systems should immediately implement mitigations including parameter validation, input sanitization, and the implementation of a whitelist approach for file inclusion operations. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and proper access controls to prevent unauthorized code execution in web applications. The remediation process should involve patching the affected application, implementing proper parameter validation mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all input handling processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities from existing in other components of the system architecture.