CVE-2006-2216 in Open Bulletin Board
Summary
by MITRE
Open Bulletin Board (OpenBB) 1.0.8 allows remote attackers to obtain the full path of the web server via an invalid pforums parameter to (1) misc.php and (2) member.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2216 represents a critical path disclosure issue affecting Open Bulletin Board version 1.0.8, a web-based discussion forum software. This flaw enables remote attackers to extract sensitive server path information through crafted requests targeting specific script files. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes an invalid pforums parameter in two key files: misc.php and member.php, which are fundamental components of the bulletin board system's functionality. Such path disclosure vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they provide attackers with detailed information about the server's file structure and directory hierarchy, which can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the OpenBB application's parameter handling mechanism. When an attacker submits a malformed pforums parameter to either misc.php or member.php, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it. This inadequate validation allows the system to reveal its internal file paths in error messages or response data, effectively leaking information about the server's configuration and directory structure. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's error handling routines, where uncontrolled input leads to path exposure rather than proper error management. This type of flaw is categorized under CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to information disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information leakage, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The disclosed server paths can reveal the complete directory structure, including installation locations, file names, and potentially sensitive configuration details. This information significantly reduces the attack surface by eliminating the need for attackers to perform time-consuming reconnaissance activities to discover the server's layout. Security professionals should note that such path disclosure vulnerabilities often serve as initial entry points for more complex attack chains, where the leaked information can be used to identify other potential vulnerabilities or to craft targeted attacks against specific system components. The exposure of internal paths can also aid in bypassing certain security controls that rely on obfuscation or non-obvious directory structures for protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2216 should focus on implementing robust input validation and error handling mechanisms within the OpenBB application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized and validated before processing, with specific attention to error handling routines that might inadvertently reveal system information. The recommended approach includes implementing strict parameter validation that rejects malformed inputs and configuring the application to display generic error messages instead of detailed system information. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block suspicious parameter patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file system discovery, as the disclosed information can be used to map the target system's file structure. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that such vulnerabilities are addressed in the application's codebase, with particular emphasis on strengthening the input validation mechanisms that govern parameter processing in critical application files.