CVE-2006-4743 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
WordPress 2.0.2 through 2.0.5 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request for (1) 404.php, (2) akismet.php, (3) archive.php, (4) archives.php, (5) attachment.php, (6) blogger.php, (7) comments.php, (8) comments-popup.php, (9) dotclear.php, (10) footer.php, (11) functions.php, (12) header.php, (13) hello.php, (14) wp-content/themes/default/index.php, (15) links.php, (16) livejournal.php, (17) mt.php, (18) page.php, (19) rss.php, (20) searchform.php, (21) search.php, (22) sidebar.php, (23) single.php, (24) textpattern.php, (25) upgrade-functions.php, (26) upgrade-schema.php, or (27) wp-db-backup.php, which reveal the path in various error messages. NOTE: another researcher has disputed the details of this report, stating that version 2.0.5 does not exist. NOTE: the admin-footer.php, admin-functions.php, default-filters.php, edit-form-advanced.php, edit-link-form.php, edit-page-form.php, kses.php, locale.php, rss-functions.php, template-loader.php, and wp-db.php vectors are already covered by CVE-2006-0986. The edit-form-comment.php, vars.php, and wp-settings.php vectors are already covered by CVE-2005-4463. The menu-header.php vector is already covered by CVE-2005-2110.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2018
This vulnerability affects WordPress versions 2.0.2 through 2.0.5 and represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that allows remote attackers to obtain system path information through direct requests to specific PHP files. The vulnerability operates by enabling attackers to access various WordPress template and core files including 404.php, akismet.php, archive.php, and numerous other components that reveal server paths in error messages. This type of information disclosure aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and falls under the broader category of information leakage vulnerabilities that can provide attackers with critical system details for further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within WordPress's file serving logic. When attackers make direct requests to these specific PHP files without proper authentication or authorization, the system generates error messages that inadvertently expose the absolute file paths on the server. This occurs because WordPress does not properly sanitize or validate the requested file paths before processing them, allowing the underlying system to return detailed error information including directory structures and file locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core WordPress files and template components that are essential for normal operation, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate system responses and exploitable error messages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as the exposed file paths can provide attackers with critical information for subsequent attack vectors. Attackers can use the disclosed paths to understand the server structure, potentially leading to directory traversal attacks, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or other path-based exploits. The vulnerability affects multiple WordPress components including core files like functions.php, wp-db-backup.php, and various template files, creating multiple potential entry points for attackers. This type of information disclosure vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information through path disclosure, and T1213, which covers data from information repositories.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files. WordPress administrators should immediately upgrade to versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the affected versions are no longer supported and contain multiple security weaknesses. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help filter malicious requests to these specific files, while proper file permissions and directory restrictions can limit access to sensitive system components. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not expose system paths in user-facing error messages is crucial for preventing information leakage. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress installations and ensure that all components are properly configured to prevent unauthorized access to core system files.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control in web applications, particularly in content management systems where multiple file paths and components are exposed to public access. The fact that this vulnerability affects both core WordPress files and theme components highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that covers all aspects of the application architecture. Security practitioners should be aware that path disclosure vulnerabilities often serve as precursors to more serious exploits, making them critical targets for remediation and prevention. The existence of multiple affected files also suggests that the vulnerability may be related to broader architectural issues in how WordPress handles file access requests, warranting deeper analysis of the application's security model and implementation practices.