CVE-2006-2893 in GANTTy
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in GANTTy 1.0.3 allows remote attackers to obtain the full path of the web server via an invalid lang parameter in an authenticate action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2893 affects GANTTy version 1.0.3, specifically within the index.php file when processing authentication requests. This flaw represents a path disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input during the authentication process. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker submits an invalid lang parameter to the authenticate action, causing the application to reveal sensitive server path information in its error response.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the GANTTy application's authentication mechanism. When the system receives an invalid language parameter during authentication, it does not sanitize or properly filter the input before processing it. Instead, the application propagates the malformed parameter through its internal error handling routines, which inadvertently expose the complete file system path where the application resides on the web server. This occurs because the error messages generated by the application include stack traces or path references that reveal the underlying server structure to unauthorized users.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations running affected GANTTy installations. The disclosure of full server paths enables attackers to gain valuable reconnaissance information that can be used in subsequent exploitation attempts. Cybersecurity frameworks such as the MITRE ATT&CK matrix categorize this as a reconnaissance technique under the 'T1083 - File and Directory Discovery' tactic, as it provides attackers with critical system information. The leaked paths can reveal directory structures, file locations, and potentially sensitive configuration details that could aid in planning more sophisticated attacks against the web application or underlying infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and represents a classic example of how improper error handling can lead to information disclosure. Organizations may unknowingly expose their server architecture through seemingly benign error responses, creating opportunities for attackers to map network topologies and identify potential attack vectors. This type of information disclosure can also facilitate other attacks such as path traversal, directory listing, or even privilege escalation attempts that rely on knowledge of the application's file structure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the authentication process. System administrators should ensure that all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in critical functions like authentication, are properly sanitized and validated before processing. The application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages and stack traces from being displayed to end users, instead logging such information securely for administrative review. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input filtering mechanisms can prevent malformed parameters from reaching the error handling components. Security best practices recommend that applications implement generic error messages that do not reveal system-specific information, thereby preventing attackers from gaining insights into the underlying server configuration. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in web applications, particularly those related to error handling and input validation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter values that might indicate exploitation attempts against this and similar vulnerabilities.