CVE-2006-4294 in TWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in viewfile in TWiki 4.0.0 through 4.0.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the filename parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4294 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the TWiki web-based collaboration platform version 4.0.0 through 4.0.4. This vulnerability specifically affects the viewfile functionality which is responsible for displaying files within the TWiki environment. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the filename parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access through crafted directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying file system, potentially exposing sensitive information including configuration files, user credentials, and system data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper path validation mechanisms within the TWiki application's file handling routines. When the viewfile function processes user-supplied filename parameters containing sequences such as "..", the application fails to adequately sanitize these inputs before using them in file system operations. This allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain protected. The vulnerability directly 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 flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding that enables attackers to manipulate the application's file access behavior through carefully crafted malicious input sequences.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4294 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could access sensitive configuration files containing database credentials, administrative passwords, or other system-level information that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the TWiki installation, potentially allowing attackers to read system files, access user data, or even potentially execute arbitrary code if the application has sufficient privileges to access critical system resources. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on TWiki for collaborative content management, as it could enable unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information or intellectual property stored within the platform's file system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4294 should prioritize immediate patching of affected TWiki versions to the latest available releases that contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement robust input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering of directory traversal sequences, implementation of proper access controls, and restriction of file system permissions for the TWiki application. Network-level mitigations such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized file access paths exist within the TWiki installation. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that the TWiki application runs with minimal necessary privileges and that sensitive files are properly secured with appropriate access controls. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use this vulnerability to discover system files and potentially gain access to credentials or other sensitive information through the compromised TWiki instance.