CVE-2006-1095 in HTTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the FileSession object in Mod_python module 3.2.7 for Apache allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a crafted session cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1095 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Mod_python module version 3.2.7 for Apache web server. This security weakness resides in the FileSession object implementation which handles session management for web applications. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of session cookie data, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through crafted cookie values. The flaw specifically affects local users who can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of session data persistence in the FileSession component. When Mod_python processes session cookies, it fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before using it in file system operations. This creates a path traversal condition where attacker-controlled input can manipulate the file system path used for session storage. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-established weakness in software security. The attack vector specifically targets the session cookie mechanism, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through normal web application interactions without requiring special privileges beyond basic network access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Local attackers with access to the web application can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate session files stored on the server, potentially gaining access to sensitive application data, modifying session information, or executing arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process. The severity of this flaw is amplified by the fact that it affects a widely used Apache module, meaning that numerous web applications relying on Mod_python could be vulnerable. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" as it enables execution of Python code through the web server environment, and T1078.004 for "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" if the web server is configured to use cloud-based session storage mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to a patched version of Mod_python where the directory traversal issue has been resolved. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization for all session-related data, ensuring that cookie values are properly escaped and validated before being processed. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious session cookie patterns, restricting file system permissions for session storage directories, and monitoring for unauthorized file access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web application security frameworks and highlights the need for thorough security testing of session management components. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for web server processes and regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web infrastructure.