CVE-2006-2839 in WeBWorK
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in PG Problem Editor module (PGProblemEditor.pm) in WeBWorK Online Homework Delivery System 2.2.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to read and write files outside of the templates directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2018
The CVE-2006-2839 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the PG Problem Editor module of WeBWorK Online Homework Delivery System version 2.2.0 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the PGProblemEditor.pm component which handles the editing and management of mathematical problems within the web-based educational platform. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file system access when processing user-supplied parameters. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that manipulate file path parameters to access files outside the intended templates directory boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to perform arbitrary file operations including reading and writing files beyond the designated template directory. This occurs because the system does not properly validate or sanitize user inputs that are used to construct file paths, enabling attackers to inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ into the path resolution logic. The vulnerability specifically affects the PGProblemEditor.pm module which serves as the core component for problem editing functionality within the WeBWorK system. When processing user requests, the module fails to implement proper path normalization and validation checks, creating an opportunity for attackers to navigate the file system outside the intended boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, and user information that should remain isolated within the templates directory. The ability to write files outside the intended scope could enable attackers to inject malicious code, modify system components, or establish persistent access points within the educational platform. This vulnerability directly compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the WeBWorK environment, potentially affecting thousands of educational institutions that rely on this system for online homework delivery and assessment. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication credentials to leverage this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
Security mitigations for CVE-2006-2839 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the PGProblemEditor.pm module. The system should enforce strict path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed, utilizing techniques such as canonical path resolution and whitelist-based file access controls. Organizations should immediately upgrade to WeBWorK versions 2.2.1 and later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and secure file handling practices. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact of any exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and falls under ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting file system access and privilege escalation within web applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive security testing of file handling components and implementation of automated input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other system modules.