CVE-2005-3698 in PHP Easy Download
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Easy Download allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via edit.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3698 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the PHP Easy Download web application. This issue specifically affects the edit.php component of the software, which is designed to manage and modify download files within the application's administrative interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks that fail to properly verify user credentials before granting access to administrative functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the download management system without providing valid authentication credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of user sessions and authentication tokens within the edit.php script. When users attempt to access administrative functions through this interface, the application fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform the requested operations. This flaw typically occurs due to improper session management or the absence of required authentication checks before executing administrative code paths. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication mechanisms in software applications.
From an operational perspective, this authentication bypass vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using the PHP Easy Download application. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate download files, modify file permissions, delete content, and potentially access sensitive information stored within the download repository. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as attackers can use this foothold to escalate privileges or establish persistent access within the system. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials use and privilege escalation through compromised accounts.
The exploitation of CVE-2005-3698 requires minimal technical expertise and can be performed by attackers with basic web application penetration testing knowledge. The vulnerability affects all versions of PHP Easy Download that implement the vulnerable edit.php component, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of this particular download management solution in web environments. Organizations running this software without proper security updates or patches remain highly vulnerable to this specific authentication bypass attack vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate implementation of security patches provided by the software vendor, proper configuration of authentication mechanisms, and regular security assessments of web applications. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable components. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability scanning and ensure that all web applications are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches. The remediation process should include thorough testing of authentication mechanisms and verification that proper session management is in place to prevent similar issues in the future.