CVE-2006-0567 in Files Xaraya module
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Files Xaraya module before 0.5.1, when the Archive Directory field on the Modify Config page is blank, allows remote attackers to access files outside of the web root via ".." (dot dot) sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0567 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Files Xaraya module, a content management system component that handles file operations and archive management. This security weakness affects versions prior to 0.5.1 and stems from insufficient input validation in the Archive Directory configuration field. The flaw occurs when administrators leave the Archive Directory field blank during module configuration, creating a path traversal opportunity that can be exploited by remote attackers to access files beyond the intended web root directory boundaries.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of directory path inputs within the Xaraya module's file management functions. When the Archive Directory field remains unconfigured or blank, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied path sequences containing ".." (dot dot) characters. This allows attackers to construct malicious file paths that traverse up the directory hierarchy, effectively bypassing normal access controls and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should remain outside the web server's document root. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, exploiting weaknesses in path resolution and validation logic.
The operational impact of this directory traversal vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can potentially access sensitive system information, including database configuration files, application source code, user credentials stored in configuration files, and other confidential data that should remain protected. This exposure can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, privilege escalation, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit and can be leveraged to access files that may contain critical system information or sensitive user data, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied directory path parameters. The primary fix involves ensuring that the Archive Directory field is properly validated and sanitized when left blank, preventing the use of directory traversal sequences such as ".." or similar path manipulation techniques. Organizations should implement strict path validation that verifies all directory paths against a predefined whitelist of acceptable locations or employs proper path normalization techniques that resolve absolute paths and prevent traversal attacks. Additionally, the module should enforce mandatory configuration of the Archive Directory field with proper validation to prevent blank or insecure configurations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of path traversal attacks that fall under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and file permissions to limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation, while monitoring for unusual file access patterns that may indicate attempted traversal attacks.