CVE-2006-4971 in MyBB
Summary
by MITRE
MyBB (aka MyBulletinBoard) allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request for inc/plugins/hello.php, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4971 affects MyBulletinBoard, a popular web-based forum software that was widely used in the mid-2000s. This security flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly handle error conditions in its plugin architecture. The specific weakness manifests when an attacker makes a direct request to the inc/plugins/hello.php file, which triggers an error message containing sensitive system path information. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and can be classified as CWE-209, which specifically addresses error messages containing sensitive information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a simple web request to a non-existent or improperly configured plugin file within the MyBB application's directory structure. When the web server processes this request, it generates an error response that inadvertently includes the full file system path where the application is installed. This path disclosure occurs because the application does not implement proper error handling mechanisms to sanitize or mask system-specific information in error messages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with detailed information about the server's file structure, which can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks against the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the security posture of affected systems. When an attacker gains access to system paths, they can better understand the application's architecture and potentially identify other vulnerabilities through path-based reconnaissance. This information can be leveraged to craft more targeted attacks, such as directory traversal attempts or exploitation of other weaknesses that may exist within the same file system structure. The vulnerability also violates several security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly those related to information leakage and improper error handling. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability enables initial access and reconnaissance activities that can lead to privilege escalation or further system compromise.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve multiple layers of security controls that address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention. Organizations should immediately implement proper error handling within their web applications to ensure that sensitive system information is never exposed in error messages. This includes configuring the web server and application to suppress detailed error information and instead display generic error messages to users. Additionally, administrators should conduct regular security audits to identify and remove unused or unnecessary plugin files that may create similar exposure points. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms to prevent direct access to internal application components. Security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that file system paths are not exposed through error messages, which aligns with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies recommended by various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.