CVE-2006-0132 in webftp
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in webftp.php in SysCP WebFTP 1.2.6 and possibly earlier allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local PHP scripts, and possibly read other types of files, via a .. (dot dot) and a trailing null in the webftp_language parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0132 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SysCP WebFTP 1.2.6 web application and potentially earlier versions. This weakness resides in the webftp.php script where the webftp_language parameter fails to properly validate user input, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate file access paths. The vulnerability specifically exploits the handling of .. (dot dot) sequences combined with trailing null characters in the parameter value, allowing attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw enables attackers to include and execute arbitrary local PHP scripts on the server, effectively granting them remote code execution capabilities. Additionally, the vulnerability may allow unauthorized file reading operations, potentially exposing sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information stored on the web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the ability to compromise the entire web server infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal effort as it involves simple parameter manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for widespread abuse. The combination of remote code execution and potential file reading capabilities creates multiple attack vectors for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and persistent access establishment.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers phishing with malicious attachments, and T1059 which involves command and script injection. The attack chain typically involves an attacker sending a specially crafted URL containing the directory traversal payload to a victim, who then accesses the malicious link. The vulnerability also relates to T1071 which covers application layer protocol usage and T1105 which involves command and script injection. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, restrict file access permissions, and apply immediate patches to address this vulnerability. The remediation process involves sanitizing all user inputs, implementing proper path validation, and ensuring that the web application does not allow arbitrary file inclusion operations. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing principle of least privilege for web server processes can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks.