CVE-2006-0871 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the _setTemplate function in Mambo 4.5.3, 4.5.3h, and possibly earlier versions allows remote attackers to read and include arbitrary files via the mos_change_template parameter. NOTE: CVE-2006-1794 has been assigned to the SQL injection vector.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0871 affects Mambo content management systems version 4.5.3 and 4.5.3h, with potential impacts on earlier versions. This flaw exists within the _setTemplate function and represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through the mos_change_template parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization processes that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data before it is processed by the application's template handling system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper path validation in the _setTemplate function, which directly incorporates user-provided input into file system operations without adequate sanitization. Attackers can manipulate the mos_change_template parameter to traverse directory structures and access arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure or remote code execution depending on the system configuration. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in input validation and access control mechanisms that should prevent users from accessing files outside the intended application scope.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it can potentially enable attackers to include malicious files or access sensitive system information. Remote exploitation allows threat actors to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Mambo's template management system, which is critical for maintaining proper content delivery and user experience. This weakness creates a persistent security risk that remains exploitable until properly patched, as it provides attackers with a straightforward method to access restricted files and potentially compromise the entire application environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Mambo installations to the latest available security updates. Organizations must implement proper input validation and sanitization measures that restrict file path inputs to predefined directories and prevent traversal sequences. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable systems, while web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that proper secure coding practices are maintained throughout the development lifecycle. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines such as those specified in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing directory traversal attacks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.