CVE-2006-0714 in Flyspray
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the installation file (sql/install-0.9.7.php) in Flyspray 0.9.7 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) sequence in the adodbpath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0714 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Flyspray 0.9.7 issue tracking system. This weakness resides in the installation script sql/install-0.9.7.php where the adodbpath parameter fails to properly validate user input, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically allows malicious actors to exploit the .. (dot dot) sequence to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental security flaw that enables unauthorized file access and potentially system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the installation script processes the adodbpath parameter without adequate sanitization or validation of the input path. When an attacker supplies a path containing directory traversal sequences such as ../../ or ../../../, the script fails to properly restrict file access to the intended installation directories. This flaw enables attackers to include files from locations outside the web root or designated installation paths, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code or unauthorized access to sensitive system files. The vulnerability operates at the application level and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by remote attackers without authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can potentially enable full system compromise through the execution of malicious code. Attackers can leverage this weakness to include and execute PHP files from arbitrary locations, potentially leading to complete server takeover. The vulnerability affects the installation process specifically, but the implications are severe as it demonstrates poor input validation practices that could exist elsewhere in the application. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003 - Server Software Component, where adversaries exploit vulnerabilities in web application components to gain unauthorized access. The vulnerability also relates to T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as attackers can use this weakness to enumerate system files and directories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0714 require immediate attention through patching the affected Flyspray version to 0.9.8 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for acceptable path values rather than allowing arbitrary input is crucial. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that the web application runs with minimal required permissions and that file inclusion operations are restricted to specific, secure directories. Network segmentation and monitoring of suspicious file access patterns can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could exist in other application components.