CVE-2006-1260 in Horde
Summary
by MITRE
Horde Application Framework 3.0.9 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a null character in the url parameter in services/go.php, which bypasses a sanity check.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1260 affects the Horde Application Framework version 3.0.9, representing a critical path traversal flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability resides within the services/go.php script where the url parameter processing fails to properly sanitize input containing null characters, allowing attackers to bypass existing security checks and gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the Horde framework's URL handling mechanism. When a null character is injected into the url parameter, it effectively terminates string processing prematurely, circumventing the sanity checks that should prevent access to files outside the intended directory structure. This behavior creates a path traversal condition that allows attackers to specify absolute file paths or manipulate relative paths to access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic weakness in input sanitization and string handling that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it can potentially expose sensitive system information including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and user data. Attackers can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, conduct further reconnaissance, or establish persistence within the compromised environment. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require local system access or credentials to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables adversaries to enumerate and access files that should be protected by the application's security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1260 should focus on immediate patching of the Horde Application Framework to version 3.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the input sanitization issue. Organizations should implement proper input validation at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous sanitization before being processed. The solution involves removing or properly handling null characters in URL parameters and implementing strict path validation that prevents traversal beyond designated directories. Additionally, access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure that even if path traversal occurs, the attacker cannot access sensitive files due to proper file permissions and access control lists. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though the primary remediation must address the root cause within the application code itself. This vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application security design, as outlined in security best practices and standards such as those defined by OWASP and NIST.