CVE-2006-3682 in awstats
Summary
by MITRE
awstats.pl in AWStats 6.5 build 1.857 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via the (1) year, (2) pluginmode or (3) month parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3682 affects AWStats version 6.5 build 1.857 and earlier, specifically targeting the awstats.pl script that serves as the core component for web server log analysis and reporting. This issue represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input parameters, creating an avenue for attackers to extract potentially valuable system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of three specific parameters within the awstats.pl script: year, pluginmode, and month. When these parameters are manipulated by remote attackers through HTTP requests, the application inadvertently reveals the absolute installation path of the AWStats software on the target server. This occurs because the script does not adequately filter or validate the input data before processing, allowing malicious users to inject crafted parameter values that trigger the disclosure of system paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as the disclosed installation paths can serve as critical intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the actual file system locations enables threat actors to better understand the server environment, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities, determining file permissions, or locating additional sensitive files within the application structure. This information disclosure can facilitate further exploitation attempts and significantly reduce the attack surface analysis required for subsequent compromise efforts.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to unintended information disclosure. The attack pattern aligns with techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under the Information Gathering phase, where adversaries collect system information to inform their attack strategies. The vulnerability also demonstrates weaknesses in the principle of least privilege, as the application exposes sensitive path information that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the AWStats application. System administrators should immediately upgrade to AWStats versions that have addressed this issue, as the vulnerability has been resolved in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation within the awstats.pl script can prevent malicious input from triggering path disclosure, while network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should also be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses that could potentially expose sensitive system information.