CVE-2006-3196 in singapore
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in singapore 0.10.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via an invalid template parameter, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3196 affects the singapore content management system version 0.10.0 and earlier, presenting a significant information disclosure risk that can be exploited by remote attackers. This flaw resides in the index.php file and specifically manifests when the application processes an invalid template parameter, creating a scenario where sensitive system information becomes exposed through error messages. The vulnerability represents a classic example of improper error handling that can lead to directory traversal information disclosure, making it particularly dangerous for systems operating in production environments where such exposure could provide attackers with critical infrastructure details.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input parameters, specifically those related to template selection. When an attacker submits an invalid template parameter to the index.php script, the system generates an error message that inadvertently includes the full server path where the application is installed. This occurs because the software does not implement proper input validation or error handling mechanisms that would prevent such path information from being exposed to unauthorized users. The flaw aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how inadequate error management can create security risks that extend beyond simple application functionality issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate disclosure of installation paths, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance information that can be leveraged in subsequent attack phases. The revealed path information can be used to construct targeted attacks against the specific file system structure, potentially enabling directory traversal attacks or other exploitation techniques that rely on knowledge of the application's deployment environment. From an adversarial perspective, this information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to map the server's file structure and identify potential entry points for more sophisticated attacks, making it a critical vulnerability that should be addressed immediately. The vulnerability also violates principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as it provides adversaries with systematic access to filesystem information that would otherwise require more time-consuming reconnaissance efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3196 should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling procedures within the application's codebase. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are validated against a strict whitelist of acceptable values before processing, and that error messages do not contain sensitive system information such as file paths or server details. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to display generic error messages to users while logging detailed technical information internally for administrative purposes. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls or security modules that can detect and block requests containing suspicious parameter patterns, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. Updates to the singapore CMS to versions beyond 0.10.0 should be prioritized as these later versions likely contain fixes for this specific information disclosure vulnerability.