CVE-2005-3861 in phpGreetz
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in content.php in phpGreetz 0.99 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the content parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3861 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the phpGreetz content management system version 0.99 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the content.php script which fails to properly validate user input passed through the content parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server. The flaw stems from improper input sanitization and the application's reliance on user-supplied data without adequate security controls. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where applications include files based on user input without proper validation. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to server resources and potentially establish persistent backdoors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the content parameter of the content.php script. The application processes this input without proper validation, allowing the remote file inclusion to occur. This vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target web applications to gain initial access to systems. The flaw enables attackers to include remote files from malicious servers, effectively allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks. Attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malware, establish reverse shells, or perform further reconnaissance within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3861 extends far beyond immediate code execution capabilities, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpGreetz face significant risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and service disruption. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain administrative privileges, modify website content, or use the compromised server as a launchpad for attacks against other systems. This weakness directly affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of web applications, making it a high-priority security concern. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects widely used content management systems, meaning that successful exploitation can result in large-scale compromises. Additionally, the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access through backdoor installations, making detection and remediation more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3861 require immediate action to address the core vulnerability through proper input validation and secure coding practices. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation for all user inputs, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes disabling remote file inclusion functionality entirely and implementing whitelisting mechanisms for file access. Security measures should include updating to phpGreetz version 1.0 or later where this vulnerability has been patched, as well as implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. Input sanitization techniques such as using allowlists for valid file names and implementing proper escape sequences for user-supplied data can prevent exploitation. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of secure coding practices aligned with OWASP Top Ten recommendations and defense-in-depth strategies will provide comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the application stack.