CVE-2005-3878 in PHP Doc System
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in PHP Doc System 1.5.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to access or include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the show parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3878 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the PHP Doc System version 1.5.1 and earlier implementations. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where user-supplied input is improperly validated before being used to determine file inclusion paths. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the show parameter contains directory traversal sequences such as .. which allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted. This type of flaw falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing via Social Media where such vulnerabilities can be exploited as part of broader attack chains.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload through the show parameter that includes directory traversal sequences. When the PHP Doc System processes this input without proper sanitization or validation, it allows the application to interpret these sequences and access files outside the intended document root. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execution of arbitrary code depending on the server configuration and file permissions. The flaw essentially bypasses access controls by manipulating the file path resolution mechanism within the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can enable complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker could potentially access database configuration files containing credentials, system configuration files with sensitive settings, or even application source code that might reveal additional vulnerabilities. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to privilege escalation and unauthorized system access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3878 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. The most effective approach involves removing or escaping special characters such as dots and forward slashes from user input before processing. Additionally, implementing a whitelist-based approach that only allows specific, predefined values for the show parameter can prevent unauthorized path traversal attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing proper file access controls and restricting the application's ability to access system files through the web server. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other parts of the application. The remediation process should include updating to a patched version of PHP Doc System if available, or implementing proper code-level protections to prevent path traversal attacks.