CVE-2006-2535 in Destiney Links Script
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in Destiney Links Script 2.1.2 allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via an invalid show parameter referencing a non-existent file, which reveals the path in the resulting error message. NOTE: this issue might be resultant from a more serious issue such as directory traversal.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2535 affects the Destiny Links Script version 2.1.2, specifically targeting the index.php file which serves as the primary entry point for the application. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input before processing it within the system. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker sends a malformed show parameter that references a non-existent file, causing the application to generate an error message that inadvertently exposes the server's file system path structure. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and sensitive data exposure, which are commonly categorized under CWE-209 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The issue demonstrates a fundamental lack of input sanitization and proper error message handling that could provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance information about the target system's directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to validate the show parameter against a legitimate set of acceptable values. When a user-supplied parameter is not properly validated or sanitized, the application processes it directly, leading to an error condition when the referenced file does not exist. This error condition results in the display of a full system path within the error message, which serves as a direct revelation of the application's installation directory structure. The vulnerability's potential for escalation becomes apparent when considering that such path disclosure could be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The error message typically includes the absolute path to the file system location where the application is installed, potentially exposing directory names, file structures, and even user account information if the application is running under specific user contexts. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker with basic network connectivity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of systems running the affected Destiny Links Script version. The disclosure of installation paths provides attackers with critical information that can be used for subsequent attacks, including directory traversal attempts and other file system exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's classification as a potential directory traversal issue means that attackers might be able to use the disclosed path information to construct more sophisticated attacks that could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files, execution of arbitrary code, or complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it enables attackers to map the application's file structure and potentially identify other vulnerable components within the same directory hierarchy. Security professionals should recognize that such vulnerabilities often indicate broader architectural issues within the application's security design, particularly regarding input validation and error handling practices. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as it provides adversaries with systematic information about the target system's file structure, which can be used to plan more targeted attacks.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application. Developers should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable values before being processed by the application logic. The application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages that reveal system information, instead providing generic error responses to users. Additionally, implementing proper logging mechanisms can help detect and respond to exploitation attempts, while also providing valuable forensic data for security incident investigations. The solution requires a comprehensive approach that includes code-level fixes, configuration changes, and security policy updates. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious parameter values before they reach the vulnerable application components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of following secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege in application development. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar issues that might exist in other parts of the application or related systems, as this type of vulnerability often indicates deeper architectural security concerns that require systematic remediation approaches.