CVE-2005-4160 in Torrential
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in getdox.php in Torrential 1.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via "../" sequences in the query string argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2025
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4160 affects Torrential 1.2 software and specifically targets the getdox.php component. This flaw represents a classic path traversal attack vector that enables remote adversaries to access files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly those containing file path references. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious query strings that include "../" sequences, which manipulate the file system path resolution mechanism to navigate to arbitrary locations on the server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of file path arguments within the getdox.php script. When user input containing directory traversal sequences is processed without adequate sanitization, the application interprets these sequences as legitimate path navigation commands rather than malicious input. This allows attackers to traverse up the directory hierarchy and access files that should remain protected, potentially including sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system resources that may contain sensitive data, authentication credentials, or system configuration information. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to files that are not intended to be exposed through the web interface, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary file reading, meaning that an attacker could access any file that the web application process has permission to read, including database files, application source code, or system configuration files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is rigorously validated before being processed, particularly when dealing with file path references. The implementation of a whitelist-based approach for acceptable file paths can prevent unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, the application should enforce strict directory boundaries and avoid using user input directly in file system operations. Security controls should include proper access controls, file system permissions, and input filtering that prevents the interpretation of directory traversal sequences. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as those recommended in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, which categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through path traversal. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns in network traffic.