CVE-2006-1083 in PHP-Stats
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in PHP-Stats 0.1.9.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to read and possibly execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the (1) option[language] and (2) option[template] parameters, and (3) possibly other parameters, to (a) admin.php and (b) other unspecified scripts. NOTE: the admin.php/option[language] vector can be used by remote unauthenticated attackers to include arbitrary files in conjunction with CVE-2006-1085.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1083 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting PHP-Stats version 0.1.9.1 and earlier implementations. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters within the administrative interface, specifically targeting the option[language] and option[template] parameters. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file path resolution by inserting directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation, thereby enabling unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure. The vulnerability impacts both the admin.php script and other unspecified scripts within the application, creating a broad attack surface that could potentially compromise the entire system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic directory traversal pattern where attacker-controlled input is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization or validation. When the application processes parameters such as option[language] and option[template], it fails to adequately filter or validate the input, allowing attackers to prepend directory traversal sequences that navigate upward through the file system hierarchy. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file reading to potentially allowing code execution, depending on the system configuration and the files accessed through the traversal mechanism.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1083 is severe and multifaceted, particularly when considered in conjunction with CVE-2006-1085. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read sensitive system files including configuration files, database credentials, and other critical system information without requiring authentication. The unauthenticated nature of the attack vector means that any remote user can potentially exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The vulnerability can be exploited to access not only application-specific files but potentially system files and other applications running on the same server, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments. Additionally, the ability to include arbitrary files through this vector could enable attackers to execute malicious code, depending on the server configuration and the files being accessed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate technical flaw and broader security posture considerations. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. Applications should employ strict whitelisting approaches for language and template selection parameters, rejecting any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters. The implementation of secure coding practices including the use of allowlists for valid parameters, proper file path normalization, and the principle of least privilege in file system access should be enforced. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, while maintaining regular security updates and vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues in other components of their web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure file handling practices in preventing directory traversal attacks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, and emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls throughout the application lifecycle.