CVE-2006-2169 in Request Tracker
Summary
by MITRE
RT: Request Tracker 3.5.HEAD allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via the Rows parameter in Dist/Display.html, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2169 affects Request Tracker version 3.5.HEAD, a widely used issue tracking system that manages support tickets and workflow processes for organizations. This particular flaw represents a sensitive data exposure issue that occurs when the system processes requests through the Dist/Display.html component, specifically when handling the Rows parameter. The vulnerability manifests as an information disclosure vulnerability that can be exploited remotely by attackers without requiring authentication or specific privileges within the system.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper input validation and error handling within the RT application's Dist/Display.html script. When an attacker submits a malicious Rows parameter value, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before processing it, leading to an error condition that inadvertently reveals the server's installation path through error messages. This occurs because the application does not adequately filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into error reporting mechanisms, allowing arbitrary data to be exposed in the error output. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a classic case of insufficient input sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation path can provide attackers with crucial system architecture information that facilitates further exploitation attempts. An attacker who discovers the installation path can potentially map the system's directory structure, identify potential file locations, and plan more sophisticated attacks targeting specific components or files within the application. This information disclosure can enable attackers to bypass security controls, identify version-specific vulnerabilities, or craft targeted attacks against known weaknesses in the system's configuration or code structure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which involves discovering system information through reconnaissance activities, and T1213, which covers data from information repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2169 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the RT application's codebase. Organizations should immediately patch their RT installations to versions that address this vulnerability, as the original 3.5.HEAD version is no longer supported and contains multiple security weaknesses. System administrators should also implement proper error handling that does not expose system paths or internal configuration details to end users. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious parameter injection attempts, conducting regular security audits of web applications, and establishing proper logging and monitoring for suspicious parameter values. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise system security.