CVE-2006-3936 in OpenCms
Summary
by MITRE
system/workplace/editors/editor.jsp in Alkacon OpenCms before 6.2.2 allows remote authenticated users to read the source code of arbitrary JSP files by specifying the file in the resource parameter, as demonstrated using index.jsp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3936 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Alkacon OpenCms version 6.2.1 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the system/workplace/editors/editor.jsp component, which is part of the content management system's administrative interface. The flaw allows authenticated users to exploit a path traversal mechanism that enables them to access the source code of arbitrary JSP files within the application's file system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates with minimal privileges required for exploitation, as it only necessitates authentication rather than elevated administrative rights. The demonstration of this vulnerability using index.jsp illustrates how attackers can leverage the flaw to obtain sensitive source code information that may contain database credentials, application logic, or other proprietary code elements that could be used for further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the resource parameter processing mechanism in the editor.jsp file. When an authenticated user submits a request containing a malicious resource parameter value, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before using it to construct file paths. This allows attackers to manipulate the parameter to traverse directories and access files outside the intended scope of the editor component. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, as the system should only permit access to files within designated boundaries. The vulnerability's exploitation path follows the standard pattern of directory traversal where attackers can use sequences like "../" to move up directory levels and access files they should not be permitted to read.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a comprehensive view of the application's source code structure and implementation details. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains access to the source code of JSP files, which may contain sensitive information such as database connection strings, API keys, or application logic that could be leveraged for additional attacks. The exposure of source code significantly increases the attack surface and provides attackers with detailed knowledge of the application's architecture, making subsequent exploitation attempts more effective. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that store sensitive information within their source code files, as the disclosure of such information can lead to cascading security issues including credential exposure, logic exploitation, and privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability also undermines the security posture of organizations relying on OpenCms, as it demonstrates inadequate input validation mechanisms that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive application components.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the patch released with OpenCms version 6.2.2, which addresses the input validation flaw in the editor.jsp component. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper input sanitization and validation for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file path construction. Security controls should include the enforcement of strict path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed, along with the implementation of access controls that ensure users can only access files within their designated scope. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing, including input validation testing and privilege escalation testing, as recommended by the OWASP Testing Guide and aligned with ATT&CK technique T1213.1001 for credential access through source code analysis. Organizations should also review their application's file access controls and ensure that source code files are not accessible through web-facing interfaces, implementing proper file system permissions and web server configurations to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive application components.