CVE-2005-3775 in pollvote
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in pollvote.php in PollVote allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a URL in the pollname parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3775 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the PollVote application's pollvote.php script. This security weakness falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious code through crafted URL parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input provided in the pollname parameter, allowing remote threat actors to inject arbitrary URLs that the application will attempt to include and execute as part of its normal processing flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from PHP's ability to include files from remote locations when the include or require functions are used with dynamic parameters. In the context of PollVote, when a user submits a poll selection, the pollname parameter is directly incorporated into file inclusion operations without adequate validation or sanitization. This creates a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the parameter to point to malicious remote resources, effectively bypassing local file access controls and potentially executing arbitrary code on the target server. The flaw aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation capabilities, and specifically relates to CWE-88, dealing with command injection through improper neutralization of special elements in input data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive system resources and data. Successful exploitation could enable threat actors to read system files, execute commands on the server, access databases, or even establish persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK tactics including TA0001 Initial Access and TA0002 Execution, as attackers can leverage it to gain initial system foothold and subsequently execute malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3775 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within the PollVote application. The most effective approach involves removing the dynamic file inclusion functionality from the pollname parameter or implementing strict whitelisting of allowed values. Administrators should also consider updating the application to a patched version if available, as this vulnerability was prevalent in older versions of the software. Additional protective measures include implementing proper parameter validation, using absolute paths for file operations, and configuring web server security restrictions to prevent remote file inclusion attempts. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can also help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability, though they should not be considered the sole defense mechanism. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when proper security measures are omitted from application development processes.