CVE-2006-2519 in phpwcms
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in include/inc_ext/spaw/spaw_control.class.php in phpwcms 1.2.5-DEV allows remote attackers to include arbitrary local files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the spaw_root parameter. NOTE: CVE analysis suggests that this issue is actually in SPAW Editor PHP Edition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2021
This directory traversal vulnerability exists within the phpwcms content management system version 1.2.5-DEV specifically in the SPAW Editor PHP Edition component. The flaw is located in the include/inc_ext/spaw/spaw_control.class.php file where the spaw_root parameter fails to properly validate user input containing directory traversal sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by supplying .. (dot dot) sequences in the spaw_root parameter to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary local files on the server. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that allows unauthorized file access and potentially arbitrary code execution depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation within the SPAW editor component. When the spaw_root parameter is processed, the application does not properly filter or normalize the input to prevent directory traversal sequences from being interpreted as legitimate path navigation commands. This allows attackers to manipulate the file inclusion mechanism and access files that should remain protected within the application's directory structure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other critical system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides remote attackers with the capability to perform unauthorized file access and potentially execute malicious code on the affected server. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors. The vulnerability affects the entire phpwcms platform when the SPAW editor component is enabled, making it a critical security risk for websites using this content management system. Attackers could leverage this weakness to read server configuration files, access user data, or even escalate privileges if the web application runs with elevated permissions.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the SPAW editor component. The recommended approach includes normalizing all user-supplied input by removing or encoding directory traversal sequences before processing file paths. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file system permissions to limit what files can be accessed through the web application. Additionally, the use of secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege should be enforced. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 Initial Access: Phishing, as attackers may use this vulnerability to gain initial access to systems. The remediation process should involve updating to patched versions of phpwcms or applying specific code modifications to prevent path traversal attacks in the affected SPAW editor component.