CVE-2006-2978 in Mafia Moblog
Summary
by MITRE
Mafia Moblog 0.6M1 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path in an error message via a direct request to (1) big.php and (2) upgrade.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-2978 affects Mafia Moblog version 0.6M1 and earlier, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and sensitive data exposure, which are commonly classified as CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-497 (Exposure of Sensitive System Information). The flaw manifests when attackers can directly access specific files within the application's directory structure, specifically targeting big.php and upgrade.php endpoints.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate error messages generated during file processing. When these particular PHP files are accessed directly without proper authentication or input validation, the application generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete file system path where the application is installed. This occurs because the error handling mechanism does not properly mask or filter system paths, allowing attackers to extract directory structures that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be leveraged in subsequent attack phases. The exposed installation paths can reveal directory structures, file naming conventions, and potentially sensitive organizational information about the hosting environment. This information disclosure can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as path traversal exploits, directory listing enumeration, or even targeted attacks against specific system components. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) as it enables attackers to gather system information that can be used for privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised environments.
The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal effort from threat actors, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication or complex exploitation techniques. This makes it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers who can quickly identify and catalog affected systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and proper error handling practices that are essential for secure application development. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive input validation, proper error message sanitization, and access control mechanisms to prevent such information disclosure scenarios. The remediation approach involves updating to a patched version of Mafia Moblog, implementing proper error handling that does not expose system paths, and ensuring that sensitive files are not directly accessible through web requests.
This vulnerability type highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards. The exposure of installation paths represents a critical weakness in the application's security posture that could serve as a stepping stone for more serious attacks, making it essential for system administrators to address this issue promptly through proper patch management and security hardening procedures.