CVE-2006-0660 in FarsiNews
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in FarsiNews 2.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to (1) read arbitrary files or trigger an error message path disclosure via ".." or invalid names in the archive parameter to index.php, or (2) include arbitrary files via the template parameter to show_archives.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0660 affects FarsiNews 2.5 and earlier versions, presenting multiple directory traversal flaws that enable remote attackers to compromise system security through improper input validation. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied parameters within the web interface, specifically impacting the index.php and show_archives.php scripts. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of input data, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file path references and potentially access sensitive system resources. These directory traversal issues represent a critical security weakness that can be exploited to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to files that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit different aspects of the application's file handling mechanisms. The first vector targets the archive parameter in index.php where attackers can utilize directory traversal sequences such as ".." or invalid names to navigate outside the intended directory structure. This allows for arbitrary file reading or the triggering of error messages that may reveal sensitive path information, creating a path disclosure vulnerability that can be leveraged for further exploitation. The second vector operates through the template parameter in show_archives.php, where malicious input can cause the application to include arbitrary files, potentially leading to remote code execution or information disclosure depending on the system configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates multiple attack surfaces that can be exploited for progressive compromise of the affected system. When attackers successfully exploit the path traversal in index.php, they can potentially read configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive data that may be stored in accessible directories. The template parameter exploitation in show_archives.php presents even greater risk as it can lead to arbitrary code execution if the application is configured to include user-supplied template files without proper validation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input without adequate sanitization.
The attack vectors associated with CVE-2006-0660 demonstrate how directory traversal vulnerabilities can be leveraged through standard web application interfaces to achieve unauthorized access. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution through web shell or file inclusion, and T1083 for path discovery through error message analysis. The vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that allows attackers to manipulate file system access through parameter manipulation. Organizations using affected versions of FarsiNews face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations if this vulnerability remains unpatched. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0660 should focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding across all user-supplied parameters. The most effective approach involves implementing strict whitelisting of valid input values and removing or properly encoding special characters such as ".." that could enable directory traversal. Application developers should implement proper path validation that ensures all file operations occur within designated directories and reject any input that attempts to navigate outside these boundaries. Additionally, the application should avoid using user-supplied data directly in file inclusion operations, instead implementing a lookup mechanism that maps user input to predefined template or archive files. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure proper input validation mechanisms are in place across the entire system infrastructure.