CVE-2005-3574 in iCMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP file inclusion vulnerability in index.php of iCMS allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3574 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the iCMS content management system that stems from improper input validation in the index.php file. This issue manifests as a file inclusion vulnerability that directly enables attackers to manipulate the page parameter and subsequently include arbitrary files from remote locations. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code on the target system.
This vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation, which are commonly classified under CWE-22 and CWE-74 respectively within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The technical implementation of this flaw allows attackers to construct malicious URLs that pass crafted file paths through the page parameter, potentially enabling them to include system files, remote scripts, or other malicious content. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application level without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3574 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, install backdoors, or perform further reconnaissance within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's accessibility from remote locations without authentication requirements means that it can be exploited by anyone with knowledge of the target system's URL structure, potentially leading to widespread compromise of websites running vulnerable versions of iCMS. This vulnerability directly aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 technique for execution and T1083 for file and directory discovery.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and the removal of vulnerable file inclusion functions from their applications. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper input validation that rejects suspicious characters and patterns in the page parameter, while also restricting file inclusion to predefined safe directories. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of iCMS, disabling unnecessary file inclusion features, and implementing web application firewalls can provide layered defense against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual file access patterns and suspicious URL parameters that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper file handling in web applications, emphasizing the need for secure coding practices and regular security assessments to prevent similar flaws from being introduced into software systems.