CVE-2006-0767 in CGIWrap
Summary
by MITRE
CGIWrap before 3.10 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via unknown attack vectors that cause errors in scripts that reveal system information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0767 affects CGIWrap versions prior to 3.10 and represents a significant information disclosure flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers through unspecified attack vectors. This vulnerability manifests when scripts within the CGIWrap environment generate error messages that inadvertently reveal sensitive system information, creating a pathway for attackers to gather intelligence about the underlying system configuration and architecture.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the CGIWrap framework, which fails to properly sanitize or suppress error messages that are generated during script execution. When malicious actors trigger specific conditions that cause script failures, the system responds by displaying error details that may include file paths, system configurations, or other sensitive metadata. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-209, which addresses the exposure of error information, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation and error handling can create security weaknesses in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked system information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gather detailed information about the target system including directory structures, available software versions, and potentially even underlying operating system details. This reconnaissance data enables adversaries to tailor more targeted attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation, system compromise, or further exploitation of related vulnerabilities within the environment.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability fits within the initial access and reconnaissance phase of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to techniques related to information gathering and system discovery. The attack vector leverages the inherent trust placed in web application error messages, which are typically expected to be benign and informative only to system administrators. However, in this case, the error messages become a source of intelligence for attackers, demonstrating how seemingly innocuous application behavior can create security risks when proper sanitization practices are not implemented.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate implementation of CGIWrap version 3.10 or later, which includes enhanced error handling mechanisms designed to prevent sensitive information leakage. System administrators should also implement comprehensive error handling practices that ensure all error messages are properly sanitized before display, including removing or obfuscating file paths, system details, and other potentially sensitive data. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify similar error handling weaknesses that could create information disclosure vulnerabilities.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure error handling practices in web application development and deployment. This issue demonstrates how seemingly minor oversights in application design can create significant security risks, particularly when error messages are not properly controlled and sanitized. Organizations should establish security guidelines that mandate thorough error handling reviews during application development phases, ensuring that all potential error conditions are properly managed to prevent information disclosure. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing automated patch management processes to protect against known security flaws.
Implementation of proper logging mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts of this vulnerability, as error conditions that reveal system information may indicate malicious activity. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual error message patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, allowing for rapid response to potential security incidents. Regular security training for development teams should emphasize the importance of secure coding practices, particularly regarding error handling and information disclosure prevention, to reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities being introduced into applications.