CVE-2006-4766 in Newsscript
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in print.php in Stefan Ernst Newsscript (aka WM-News) 0.5 beta allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the ide parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2018
The CVE-2006-4766 vulnerability represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the WM-News newsscript version 0.5 beta, specifically affecting the print.php component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing file operations. The flaw manifests when the ide parameter in print.php accepts directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) which allows attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution and information disclosure capabilities that can compromise the entire web application and underlying server infrastructure.
This directory traversal vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw occurs due to insufficient validation of the ide parameter in the print.php script, where user input is directly incorporated into file system operations without proper sanitization or normalization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs that include directory traversal sequences, effectively bypassing access controls and potentially gaining access to sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or system files that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-4766 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read critical system files, access application configuration data, or potentially execute malicious code if the vulnerable application runs with elevated privileges. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication and can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it highly exploitable in automated scanning campaigns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers can use the information gathered through directory traversal to craft more sophisticated attacks against the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-4766 should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the print.php script. The most effective approach involves normalizing all user input by removing or encoding directory traversal sequences such as .. and / before processing file operations. Additionally, implementing proper access controls through secure coding practices including the use of allowlists for valid file parameters, restricting file system access to predefined directories, and employing proper privilege separation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, along with regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding guidelines and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to prevent similar issues from occurring in future software deployments.