CVE-2006-2791 in iBoutique.MALL
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in iBoutique.MALL and possibly iBoutique allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via ".." sequences in the function parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2791 represents a classic directory traversal flaw affecting the iBoutique.MALL e-commerce platform and potentially other iBoutique products. This security weakness resides within the index.php script where user input containing directory traversal sequences is not properly validated or sanitized before being processed. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the function parameter receives input containing ".." sequences that manipulate the file system path resolution mechanism.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw enables attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure by manipulating the function parameter through sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. When the application processes these malicious inputs without proper validation, it can traverse up the directory hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server. This could include configuration files containing database credentials, application source code, user data, and potentially system files that could be used to escalate privileges or gain deeper system access. The remote nature of the attack means that an attacker does not need physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to the internet.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Tactic of Credential Access and Defense Evasion. Attackers can leverage directory traversal to gather intelligence about the application environment, extract sensitive configuration data, or even potentially upload malicious files if the application permits file upload functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and sanitization practices within the iBoutique platform, highlighting the critical importance of implementing proper access controls and secure coding practices to prevent unauthorized file system access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach includes implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only accepts predetermined, safe input values for the function parameter. Additionally, developers should employ proper path resolution techniques that normalize file paths and remove any potentially dangerous sequences before processing user input. The implementation of secure coding practices, including the use of secure file access APIs and proper privilege management, would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and ensure that file system access remains properly restricted to authorized operations only.