CVE-2005-3927 in GuppY
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in GuppY 4.5.9 and earlier allow remote attackers to read and include arbitrary files via (1) the meskin parameter to admin/editorTypetool.php, or the lng parameter to the in admin/inc scripts (2) archbatch.php, (3) dbbatch.php, and (4) nwlmail.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2025
The CVE-2005-3927 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting GuppY 4.5.9 and earlier versions, exposing multiple attack vectors through administrative interfaces. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and path traversal attacks, where malicious actors can manipulate parameter values to access unauthorized files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability specifically targets the admin/editorTypetool.php script where the meskin parameter can be exploited, along with lng parameters within various administrative include scripts. These flaws create a pathway for remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code or obtain sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization in the affected GuppY versions, allowing attackers to manipulate file path parameters through URL manipulation. When the meskin parameter in admin/editorTypetool.php is controlled by an attacker, it can be crafted to traverse directory structures using sequences like "../" or similar path traversal techniques. Similarly, the lng parameter in administrative include scripts such as archbatch.php, dbbatch.php, and nwlmail.php can be manipulated to include arbitrary files from the server filesystem. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental weakness in input validation that allows attackers to access files outside of intended directories.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3927 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to read arbitrary files on the web server, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive data. The vulnerability can be leveraged to include malicious files, leading to remote code execution or full system compromise. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The attack surface is broad as it affects multiple administrative scripts within the GuppY application, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on this platform for content management or administrative tasks.
The attack pattern for this vulnerability aligns with the techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell category, where attackers can manipulate application parameters to execute unintended commands. The vulnerability also relates to T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers may craft malicious URLs containing the traversal sequences to deliver payloads. Organizations using affected GuppY versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposure of sensitive information through these directory traversal flaws. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core administrative functionality, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3927 require immediate patching of the affected GuppY versions to the latest available releases, as the vulnerability has been addressed in subsequent versions. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for all parameters that control file inclusion or path manipulation. The implementation of a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules specifically designed to detect and block directory traversal attempts can provide additional protection. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other software components and ensure that all administrative interfaces properly validate user inputs. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary administrative functions, implementing proper file access controls, and establishing monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.