CVE-2006-0976 in SPiD
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in scan_lang_insert.php in Boris Herbiniere-Seve SPiD 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via the lang parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2018
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in CVE-2006-0976 affects Boris Herbiniere-Seve SPiD version 1.3.1 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's language selection mechanism. This vulnerability resides within the scan_lang_insert.php component which processes user-supplied language parameters without adequate input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the lang parameter to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive data and system information. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in file operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended scope.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic path traversal pattern where the application directly incorporates user-supplied input into file system operations without proper boundary checks. When an attacker submits a crafted lang parameter containing sequences such as ../ or similar directory traversal indicators, the application processes these inputs without validation, allowing access to files that should remain protected. This weakness aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests that target the vulnerable scan_lang_insert.php script, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files such as configuration databases, user credentials, or application source code are accessible through the traversal mechanism. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to database connection strings, administrative credentials, or other sensitive information stored in the application's file system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system, as unauthorized parties can access, modify, or delete files that should remain protected. Additionally, the exposure of application source code through this vulnerability could reveal implementation details that attackers could use to identify additional attack vectors or exploit other weaknesses in the system. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the organization's security posture and can result in data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-0976 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that filters out or rejects any characters or sequences that could indicate directory traversal attempts, such as ../ or ..\. Additionally, the application should employ a whitelist approach for language selection, only allowing predefined, legitimate language parameters rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Implementing proper file access controls and ensuring that the application runs with minimal required privileges can also limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in various security frameworks, including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.