CVE-2005-4302 in ezDatabase
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in ezDatabase 2.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to include arbitrary local files via ".." sequences in the p parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4302 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ezDatabase 2.1.2 content management system and earlier versions. This weakness exists in the index.php file where the application fails to properly validate user input parameters, specifically the 'p' parameter that controls file inclusion operations. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to manipulate the file path by inserting directory traversal sequences using the ".." notation, thereby enabling unauthorized access to arbitrary local files on the server.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines the weakness as improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw occurs when the application processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure. The specific implementation in ezDatabase 2.1.2 and earlier versions demonstrates a classic case of insecure file handling where the 'p' parameter is directly used in file inclusion operations without proper input filtering or path validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to access sensitive system files, configuration data, database credentials, and potentially execute arbitrary code on the affected server. The ability to include arbitrary local files means that an attacker could retrieve system files such as /etc/passwd, access database configuration files containing passwords, or even include malicious code that could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a backdoor into the server's file system, potentially enabling further attacks such as privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or persistent access to the compromised system.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could lead to command execution capabilities. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 for credential access through the potential exposure of authentication credentials stored in configuration files. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations depending on the nature of the data accessed. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system or prior authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4302 must include immediate patching of the ezDatabase application to version 2.1.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input sanitization measures that filter out directory traversal sequences such as "..", "%2e%2e", and other encoded variations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests containing traversal sequences. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions and that sensitive files are properly secured with appropriate access controls. System administrators should also implement proper monitoring and logging to detect suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.