CVE-2005-4824 in Siteframe
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in web/classes.php in Siteframe before 3.2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the LOCAL_PATH parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-1965.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4824 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Siteframe content management system prior to version 3.2.2. This vulnerability specifically affects the web/classes.php component where the application fails to properly validate user input before incorporating external resources into the execution context. The flaw exists within the handling of the LOCAL_PATH parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by supplying a malicious URL as the value for LOCAL_PATH, thereby enabling the system to include and execute arbitrary PHP code from remote locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2005-1965, indicating that while both involve code execution through file inclusion mechanisms, they target different code paths within the application's architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious request that includes a URL in the LOCAL_PATH parameter, typically through GET or POST requests to the vulnerable web/classes.php endpoint. When the application processes this parameter, it directly incorporates the supplied URL into the include statement without proper validation, effectively allowing remote code execution on the target system. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands, access sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services for code execution, and T1059, covering the execution of commands through various interfaces.
The implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data breach potential. Organizations running Siteframe versions prior to 3.2.2 face significant risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and system manipulation. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in input validation that required a major version update to address. Security professionals should recognize this as a classic example of insecure input handling and improper resource management that can lead to full system compromise. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching to version 3.2.2 or later, implementing proper input validation and sanitization, disabling remote file inclusion features, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potential injection points and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and the necessity of following secure coding practices to prevent remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms.