CVE-2006-0986 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
WordPress 2.0.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to (1) default-filters.php, (2) template-loader.php, (3) rss-functions.php, (4) locale.php, (5) wp-db.php, and (6) kses.php in the wp-includes/ directory; and (7) edit-form-advanced.php, (8) admin-functions.php, (9) edit-link-form.php, (10) edit-page-form.php, (11) admin-footer.php, and (12) menu.php in the wp-admin directory; and possibly (13) list directory contents of the wp-includes directory. NOTE: the vars.php, edit-form.php, wp-settings.php, and edit-form-comment.php vectors are already covered by CVE-2005-4463. The menu-header.php vector is already covered by CVE-2005-2110. Other vectors might be covered by CVE-2005-1688. NOTE: if the typical installation of WordPress does not list any site-specific files to wp-includes, then vector [13] is not an exposure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
This vulnerability in WordPress 2.0.1 and earlier versions represents a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system components through direct HTTP requests to specific PHP files within the application's core directories. The vulnerability affects multiple files in both the wp-includes and wp-admin directories, creating potential attack vectors that could reveal system configuration details, database structures, and other sensitive information that should remain hidden from unauthorized users. The flaw stems from insufficient access controls and lack of proper authentication checks when processing requests to these specific files, allowing remote attackers to bypass normal application security mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves direct requests to specific PHP files that contain sensitive code paths and system information. Files such as default-filters.php, template-loader.php, and wp-db.php contain code that, when accessed directly, can expose internal application logic, database connection details, or configuration parameters that are typically only accessible through proper application flow. The vulnerability extends to administrative files like edit-form-advanced.php and menu.php, which may contain sensitive administrative functions and system settings. Additionally, the potential for directory listing exposure through the wp-includes directory creates an additional attack surface where attackers could enumerate and potentially access multiple sensitive files simultaneously. This issue aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with detailed information that could be used to plan more sophisticated attacks against the WordPress installation. The disclosure of sensitive information from database connection files like wp-db.php could enable attackers to establish direct database connections and potentially extract or modify content. Administrative files exposed through direct access could reveal system configuration details, user permissions, or other sensitive operational data. The potential for directory listing exposure amplifies the risk by allowing attackers to discover additional sensitive files that may not have been directly targeted. This vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to gather intelligence about the system architecture, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further exploitation opportunities. The exposure affects the fundamental security model of WordPress by allowing unauthorized access to components that should remain protected within the application's normal execution flow.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of access control restrictions to prevent direct access to sensitive PHP files within WordPress core directories. The most effective approach involves configuring web server rules to block direct access to specific files in wp-includes and wp-admin directories, ensuring that only properly authenticated users can access administrative functions. Implementing proper authentication checks and access controls in the application code itself can prevent unauthorized access to these sensitive files. Regular security audits should verify that no direct access paths exist to critical system files, and that proper file permissions are enforced throughout the WordPress installation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious direct requests to core WordPress files. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation and demonstrates the need for comprehensive security testing of application components to prevent information disclosure vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include updating to WordPress versions that address this vulnerability and implementing proper security configurations to prevent similar issues in the future.