CVE-2006-3602 in FarsiNews
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in jscripts/tiny_mce/tiny_mce_gzip.php in FarsiNews 3.0 BETA 1 allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) sequence and trailing null (%00) byte in the language parameter in the advanced theme.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3602 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FarsiNews 3.0 BETA 1 content management system, specifically affecting the TinyMCE rich text editor component. This vulnerability exists in the tiny_mce_gzip.php script which handles gzip compression for the TinyMCE editor interface. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation of the language parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file inclusion paths through crafted URL parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it combines directory traversal techniques with null byte injection, creating a sophisticated attack vector that can bypass standard security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper sanitization in the language parameter processing within the TinyMCE gzip handler. When a remote attacker submits a request containing a .. (dot dot) sequence followed by a trailing null byte %00 in the language parameter, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This allows the attacker to traverse the file system directory structure and access files that should remain protected. The combination of directory traversal with null byte injection provides an additional layer of complexity that can potentially bypass certain security mechanisms and file access controls that might otherwise prevent such attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the vulnerable system. By leveraging the directory traversal capability, an attacker can include and execute malicious files that may be stored anywhere within the web server's file system. This creates a potential for complete system compromise, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the advanced theme functionality of the TinyMCE editor, meaning that any user with access to the vulnerable application can potentially exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized system access.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-426, which covers untrusted search path modification. The attack pattern follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through exploitation of vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes implementing strict whitelisting of allowed language parameters, proper path validation, and ensuring that all user inputs are sanitized before being processed by the application. Additionally, regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in third-party components like TinyMCE.