CVE-2006-0882 in Noahs Classifieds
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in include.php in Noah s Classifieds 1.3 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary local files via the otherTemplate parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0882 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Noah s Classifieds 1.3 web application. This security weakness resides in the include.php script and specifically affects the index.php file when processing the otherTemplate parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms and potentially access arbitrary local files on the server hosting the application. Such vulnerabilities typically arise from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data before being used in file operations. The affected parameter otherTemplate in the index.php script demonstrates a classic example of unsafe file inclusion where user-controllable input directly influences the file path resolution process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the otherTemplate parameter to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended application scope. Attackers can craft malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to navigate upward in the file system hierarchy. When the include.php script processes this parameter without proper validation, it can incorporate arbitrary local files into the web application's execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The weakness allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially retrieve sensitive files such as configuration data, database credentials, or system files that should remain inaccessible to remote users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the web application and underlying system, potentially exposing sensitive data or providing attackers with footholds for further attacks. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without authentication and can be triggered through simple web requests. The attack surface is significant as it involves the core file inclusion functionality that is often used for templating and dynamic content generation within web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0882 must focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should immediately apply available patches or updates from the software vendor to address this specific vulnerability. Input validation should include strict filtering of the otherTemplate parameter to reject any sequences that could enable directory traversal operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for acceptable template names and paths provides a more secure alternative to blacklisting potentially dangerous input patterns. Additionally, restricting the web application's file access permissions and ensuring proper directory permissions can limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation attempts. System administrators should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to help prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their environments. This case study serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and secure file handling in web application development, aligning with the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques that can be enabled by such vulnerabilities.