CVE-2005-3835 in DeskLance
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in support/index.php in DeskLance 2.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the main parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3835 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the DeskLance 2.3 web application, which operates within the PHP ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically affects the support/index.php component of the application and stems from improper input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into file inclusion operations. The flaw exists in the handling of the main parameter, which is processed without adequate security controls, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that point to remote PHP scripts. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing inadequate control of generation of code, as the application executes code from external sources without proper validation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under T1059, specifically targeting remote code execution capabilities through web application vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates by allowing an attacker to manipulate the main parameter through HTTP requests, where the application directly includes the provided URL without sanitizing or validating its contents, enabling the execution of malicious PHP code hosted on remote servers. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and secure coding practices in the application's architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected web server environment. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote nature, meaning attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the flaw. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, escalate privileges, and establish persistent access to the compromised system. The flaw enables attackers to upload and execute malicious scripts, manipulate database contents, and potentially use the compromised server as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network. Organizations running vulnerable versions of DeskLance face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the exposure of sensitive information through the execution of unauthorized code. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to deploy malware, conduct phishing operations, or use the compromised system for botnet activities, making it a critical security concern for any organization relying on the affected software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3835 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The primary and most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of DeskLance that properly validates and sanitizes all user inputs before processing them in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement strict input validation mechanisms that reject any non-numeric or non-expected input types for parameters that are intended to control file inclusion behavior. The implementation of a secure coding practice framework should include disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations by setting allow_url_fopen and allow_url_include directives to off, thereby preventing the application from including files from remote locations. Additionally, organizations should employ web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests containing potentially malicious URLs in parameters. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that all input validation mechanisms are properly implemented. The use of parameterized queries and secure coding standards, including the principle of least privilege for web server processes, will significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Security awareness training for developers should emphasize the importance of validating all user inputs and avoiding direct inclusion of user-supplied data in file operations to prevent similar remote file inclusion scenarios from occurring in future software implementations.