CVE-2006-4491 in Mailwise
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Cybozu Collaborex, AG before 1.2(1.5), AG Pocket before 5.2(0.8), Mailwise before 3.0(0.3), and Garoon 1 before 1.5(4.1) allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2017
The directory traversal vulnerability identified in CVE-2006-4491 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Cybozu collaborative software products including Collaborex, AG, AG Pocket, Mailwise, and Garoon. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file operations. The flaw enables authenticated remote attackers to exploit unspecified vectors that allow them to traverse directory structures and access arbitrary files on the affected systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authentication credentials, making it accessible to users who have legitimate access to the systems but could potentially abuse their privileges for unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common directory traversal patterns found in web applications and enterprise software systems. The flaw occurs when the application processes file paths without proper validation of directory separators or special characters such as ../ or ..\ sequences. This allows attackers to manipulate file access requests by inserting directory traversal sequences that bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability affects specific versions of Cybozu products where the developers failed to implement proper input sanitization or path validation mechanisms, creating opportunities for attackers to access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information that should remain protected.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on these Cybozu products for collaboration and communication. Remote authenticated attackers who can access the systems can potentially read sensitive files including configuration databases, user credentials, system logs, or proprietary business information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, as attackers might gain access to administrative files or system configuration data that could facilitate further exploitation. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face increased risk of data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties due to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in software security that affects numerous applications across different platforms. This weakness is particularly relevant in enterprise collaboration environments where file access controls are essential for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, indicating that attackers can leverage this flaw to enumerate system resources and identify sensitive files for further exploitation. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems to versions that address the directory traversal flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout their applications to prevent directory traversal attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the impact of potential exploitation, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized access has occurred. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious directory traversal attempts before they can succeed. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential weaknesses in their collaborative software environments that could be exploited in similar manners.