CVE-2006-3535 in SHOUTcast DSP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Nullsoft SHOUTcast DSP before 1.9.7 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecifed vectors that are a "slight variation" of CVE-2006-3534.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3535 represents a directory traversal flaw within the Nullsoft SHOUTcast DSP component, a widely used audio streaming server software that has been integral to internet radio broadcasting since the early 2000s. This security weakness affects versions prior to 1.9.7 and operates through unspecified attack vectors that constitute a "slight variation" of the closely related CVE-2006-3534, indicating a pattern of similar exploitation techniques targeting the same software component. The vulnerability specifically resides in how the software handles file path references, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to access files outside of the intended directory structure. The SHOUTcast DSP component serves as a digital signal processor that enables audio streaming functionality, making it a critical element in the broader streaming infrastructure that many organizations rely upon for their broadcasting operations.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the SHOUTcast DSP software, allowing attackers to manipulate file path parameters through crafted requests that bypass normal access controls. When the system processes these malformed path references, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before accessing the file system, enabling unauthorized file retrieval from arbitrary locations on the server. This flaw typically manifests when the application accepts user-supplied parameters that should be restricted to specific directories but instead processes them without proper boundary checks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no local system access or authentication. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector leverages the fundamental principle that when applications fail to properly validate user input, they become susceptible to manipulation that can lead to unauthorized data access and system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-3535 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive configuration files, user credentials, system logs, and other confidential information stored on the affected servers. In the context of internet radio broadcasting, this vulnerability could allow malicious actors to access administrative credentials, stream encryption keys, or other critical system components that would compromise the entire broadcasting infrastructure. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. Organizations running older versions of SHOUTcast DSP software were particularly at risk, as these systems often contained sensitive data within their file structures that could be accessed through this vulnerability. The cascading effects of such an attack could include complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of legitimate broadcasting services, with potential implications for both content providers and end users who rely on these streaming platforms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-3535 primarily focus on upgrading to the patched version 1.9.7 or later, which addresses the directory traversal vulnerability through improved input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable SHOUTcast DSP components to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts, conducting regular security assessments to identify vulnerable systems, and implementing proper file access controls that limit the permissions of the SHOUTcast DSP service account. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2006-3534 underscores the importance of comprehensive vulnerability management practices and the need for organizations to maintain current software versions across all components of their streaming infrastructure. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information), as attackers can use the directory traversal capability to enumerate and extract sensitive data from the compromised systems, potentially enabling further attacks within the network environment.