CVE-2005-4212 in phpCOIN
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in coin_includes/db.php in phpCOIN 1.2.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary local files via ".." (dot dot) sequences in the $_CCFG[_PKG_PATH_DBSE] variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4212 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the phpCOIN 1.2.2 web application framework. This issue specifically affects the coin_includes/db.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating it into file system operations. The vulnerability arises from the application's improper handling of the $_CCFG[_PKG_PATH_DBSE] variable which is susceptible to manipulation through directory traversal sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting ".." (dot dot) sequences into the variable, allowing them to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary local files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal or path traversal attacks as a fundamental security flaw in web applications. The flaw demonstrates a critical lack of input validation and sanitization in the application's configuration handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access sensitive system files that may contain database credentials, application configuration details, or other confidential information. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially read system files such as password hashes, database connection strings, or application source code that reveals additional attack vectors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution possibilities when combined with other exploits, as attackers can access configuration files that may contain database passwords or other credentials. This flaw represents a significant risk to web application security and aligns with attack techniques documented in the attack tree methodology where directory traversal serves as a foundational step for more complex exploitation scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate code-level fix and broader security practices within the phpCOIN framework. The most direct remediation involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied data that influences file system operations, particularly within configuration variables. Developers should employ whitelisting approaches for path validation, ensuring that only predetermined, safe paths are accepted for database configuration. Additionally, the application should implement proper directory restriction mechanisms that prevent traversal beyond designated directories, often achieved through the use of realpath() function calls combined with directory verification checks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in real-time traffic. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP top ten security risks, where path traversal attacks consistently rank among the most prevalent web application security flaws requiring immediate attention and remediation to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.