CVE-2006-0244 in phpXplorer
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Directory traversal vulnerability in workspaces.php in phpXplorer 0.9.33 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) and trailing null byte (%00) in the sShare parameter. NOTE: a followup post claims that this is not a vulnerability since the functionality of phpXplorer supports the upload of PHP files, which would not cross privilege boundaries since the PHP functionality would support read access outside the web root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0244 affects phpXplorer version 0.9.33 and represents a directory traversal issue within the workspaces.php script. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22 which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the application processes the sShare parameter without adequate input validation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences combined with trailing null bytes %00.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the ability to manipulate the sShare parameter to traverse directories beyond the intended web root boundaries. Attackers can construct malicious URLs that include sequences such as ../../../etc/passwd or similar paths that would normally be restricted. The combination of the .. (dot dot) traversal sequences with the %00 null byte encoding creates a sophisticated attack vector that can bypass certain security mechanisms designed to prevent directory traversal. This particular combination exploits the way the application handles input sanitization and path resolution, potentially allowing access to sensitive system files or execution of arbitrary code.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to systems running phpXplorer 0.9.33, as it could enable unauthorized access to system resources, sensitive configuration files, or potentially allow for code execution if PHP files can be uploaded and executed. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could facilitate further compromise of the affected system. The vulnerability represents a privilege escalation risk when combined with other attack vectors, and the potential for remote code execution increases substantially if the application allows file uploads or has PHP processing capabilities enabled.
However, the vulnerability's classification has been disputed by the community, with the original reporter suggesting that this is not a true vulnerability due to the application's intended functionality. The disputed nature stems from the argument that phpXplorer was designed to support PHP file uploads and that the functionality does not cross privilege boundaries since PHP execution would remain within the web root. This perspective aligns with certain ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and lateral movement, though it does not address the core issue of unauthorized file access. The disputed status indicates that security researchers have questioned whether this represents a legitimate security concern given the application's intended design and functionality.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file path operations. Organizations should ensure that the application enforces strict path validation and prevents the use of directory traversal sequences in file operations. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and ensuring that uploaded files cannot execute code outside the intended web root boundaries would significantly reduce the risk. Security measures should include disabling unnecessary functionality, implementing proper file access controls, and ensuring that all input is properly validated before processing. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in preventing directory traversal attacks that could potentially lead to system compromise.