CVE-2006-0519 in SPIP
Summary
by MITRE
SPIP 1.8.2-e and earlier and 1.9 Alpha 2 (5539) and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to inc-messforum.php3, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0519 affects SPIP content management systems version 1.8.2-e and earlier, as well as version 1.9 Alpha 2 build 5539 and earlier. This represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that occurs when attackers can directly request the inc-messforum.php3 script, causing the system to reveal directory paths in error messages. The vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the application's scripting environment, where error conditions are not properly sanitized before being displayed to users. This type of information exposure creates a significant security risk as it provides attackers with valuable system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
The technical flaw manifests through improper input validation and error handling procedures within the SPIP framework. When the inc-messforum.php3 script encounters an error condition, it fails to implement proper sanitization of error messages before outputting them to the client. This allows the system to inadvertently disclose the full server path where the application is installed, along with potentially other sensitive system information. The vulnerability is classified as a path disclosure issue that aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses error messages containing sensitive information. This weakness enables attackers to gain insights into the underlying system architecture and file structure, which can be instrumental in planning more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of affected systems. Attackers can use the disclosed path information to craft more targeted attacks, potentially identifying other vulnerable components within the same directory structure. This information leakage creates opportunities for attackers to perform directory traversal attacks, identify system configurations, or discover other applications running on the same server. The vulnerability also provides insight into the application's deployment environment, which can be used to tailor subsequent attack vectors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1592 (Get Technical Information), as it facilitates reconnaissance activities that attackers use to gather intelligence about target systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms and input validation throughout the application. System administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of SPIP that address this specific flaw, as the vulnerability is considered a critical security issue that can be exploited remotely. The application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages from being displayed to end users, instead logging these errors internally for administrative review. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization for all script requests can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter requests to potentially vulnerable scripts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application stack, as this type of information disclosure flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the system's architecture.