CVE-2005-4132 in Contendio
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified "security leak" vulnerability in Contenido before 4.6.4, when register_globals is on and allow_url_fopen is true, has unspecified impact and attack vectors. NOTE: it is likely that this is a PHP remote file include vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4132 represents a critical security flaw in the Contenido content management system prior to version 4.6.4. This issue manifests when specific PHP configuration settings are enabled, creating a dangerous combination that could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability's classification as a "security leak" suggests a fundamental breakdown in the application's input validation and sanitization mechanisms, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data that flows into system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the presence of two specific PHP configuration parameters: register_globals set to on and allow_url_fopen set to true. When these settings are active, the vulnerability creates a pathway for remote code execution through manipulation of input parameters that are then processed by the application. The unspecified impact and attack vectors indicate that the vulnerability can be leveraged in multiple ways, potentially allowing attackers to include remote files or execute malicious code directly on the target server. This configuration creates a dangerous environment where user-controllable input can be interpreted as executable code, bypassing normal security controls and access restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of systems running affected versions of Contenido. Attackers could potentially gain full administrative control over affected web applications, leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need local access to the system to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing environments. Organizations using Contenido with these dangerous PHP configurations face significant risk of complete system compromise and potential data loss.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the underlying PHP configuration issues and implement proper input validation measures. The most effective immediate fix involves disabling register_globals and allow_url_fopen in PHP configuration settings, which eliminates the dangerous conditions that enable the vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement proper parameter validation and sanitization throughout the Contenido application to prevent malicious input from being processed as executable code. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and represents a classic example of a remote file inclusion vulnerability that can be exploited through improper input handling. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through vulnerable input parameters that bypass normal security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security audits to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while ensuring all systems are updated to versions that properly address this vulnerability through code-level fixes and enhanced security controls.