CVE-2006-0173 in Enterprise Collaboration
Summary
by MITRE
Hummingbird Collaboration (aka Hummingbird Enterprise Collaboration) 5.21 and earlier allows remote attackers to misrepresent the type and name of a file via modified doc_ext and id parameters, which might trick a user into downloading dangerous or unexpected content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0173 affects Hummingbird Enterprise Collaboration version 5.21 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw in file handling mechanisms that could be exploited by remote attackers to manipulate file type and name information. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter processing system, specifically targeting the doc_ext and id parameters that control file metadata presentation. The flaw allows malicious actors to modify these parameters to display deceptive file attributes, potentially causing users to unknowingly download harmful content that appears to be legitimate files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied parameters before using them to construct file type and name information displayed to end users. When attackers manipulate the doc_ext parameter, they can alter the file extension that appears in the user interface, while modifications to the id parameter can change how files are identified and presented. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-20, which encompasses improper input validation, and represents a classic case of information disclosure and user deception through parameter manipulation. The system's reliance on client-side presentation without proper server-side validation creates an attack surface where malicious inputs can be interpreted as legitimate file attributes.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute social engineering campaigns that could lead to successful phishing attempts or malware distribution. Users might be tricked into downloading what appears to be a benign document such as a pdf or word file, when in reality it contains malicious code that could compromise their systems. The attack vector requires no authentication from the victim, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through automated means or social engineering campaigns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves the execution of malicious code through deceptive file presentation, and T1566, which encompasses social engineering tactics to manipulate users into executing harmful actions.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0173 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within the application's parameter processing logic. Organizations should immediately upgrade to versions of Hummingbird Enterprise Collaboration that address this vulnerability, as the manufacturer likely released patches to validate and sanitize all user-supplied parameters before using them in file metadata construction. Additionally, implementing proper content type checking, sanitizing file extension parameters, and enforcing strict validation of all file-related parameters can prevent this class of attack. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, while user education about suspicious file downloads and the importance of verifying file types before opening them remains crucial. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing proper output encoding to prevent parameter manipulation attacks that could lead to unauthorized code execution or data compromise.