CVE-2006-1027 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
feedcreator.class.php (aka the syndication component) in Joomla! 1.0.7 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a "/" (slash) in the feed parameter to index.php, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1027 affects Joomla! version 1.0.7 and specifically targets the feedcreator.class.php component, which serves as the syndication module for generating RSS and Atom feeds. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input before processing it within the feed generation functionality. The issue manifests when a remote attacker submits a specially crafted feed parameter containing a forward slash character to the index.php endpoint, causing the application to expose sensitive server path information within error messages. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200 Information Exposure, where the application inadvertently reveals internal system details that could aid attackers in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization within the feed parameter handling mechanism. When the feedcreator.class.php component receives a feed parameter containing a slash character, the application does not properly validate or sanitize this input before attempting to process it, leading to an error condition that manifests in the output. The error message includes the absolute server path where the vulnerable component resides, effectively providing attackers with critical system information that could be used for path traversal attacks, directory listing attempts, or other exploitation techniques. This vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of proper error handling in web applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal complexity to exploit and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to gather reconnaissance information about target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked path information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the exposed paths to craft targeted attacks against specific directories, potentially leading to further privilege escalation or data compromise. The vulnerability affects the entire Joomla! 1.0.7 installation and impacts all users of the syndication component, making it a widespread concern for organizations using this version of the content management system. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, where attackers gather system information to plan more targeted attacks. The exposure of file paths can also enable attackers to perform directory traversal attacks against other components of the application, as the leaked information provides insight into the directory structure and potential locations of sensitive files.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including input validation for feed parameters, proper error handling to prevent path exposure, and application-level restrictions on feed generation functionality. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user input before processing, implementing generic error messages that do not reveal system paths, and ensuring that the feed component operates with minimal privileges. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to block suspicious feed parameter patterns and monitor for exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should upgrade to newer versions of Joomla! where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved input validation and error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and error handling in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise system security and enable further exploitation.