CVE-2006-5205 in Invision Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Invision Gallery 2.0.7 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) sequence in the dir parameter in (1) index.php and (2) forum/index.php, when the viewimage command in the gallery module is used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic directory traversal flaw that affects Invision Gallery 2.0.7, specifically targeting the gallery module's handling of user-supplied input. The weakness stems from insufficient validation of the dir parameter in two critical files: index.php and forum/index.php. When the viewimage command is executed, the application fails to properly sanitize or filter the directory path supplied by users, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file access through the .. (dot dot) sequence. This fundamental input validation failure enables attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates poor input sanitization practices where the application directly incorporates user-provided directory paths into file system operations without proper validation. Attackers can exploit this by constructing malicious URLs that include directory traversal sequences such as ../../../etc/passwd or similar system files. The vulnerability specifically affects the gallery module's viewimage functionality, which is designed to display images but becomes a vector for arbitrary file reading when the dir parameter is manipulated. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and potentially read sensitive system files, configuration data, or other protected resources that should not be accessible through the web interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise if attackers can access critical system files or configuration data. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could access database connection strings, application configuration files, user credentials stored in plain text, or even system-level files that could provide insights into the underlying operating system and network configuration. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the system or knowledge of internal network structures. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that handle file operations and user input without proper validation, making it a common target for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks where the vulnerable application resides.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization at multiple layers of the application architecture. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences before they are processed by the application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is validated against a whitelist of acceptable characters and patterns, particularly for file path parameters. The application should implement proper path normalization and absolute path resolution to prevent traversal attacks. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and restricting file system permissions for the web application can limit the damage that can be caused by successful exploitation. Security measures should also include regular security auditing and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities, as well as implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious traversal patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing secure coding practices that emphasize input validation and proper error handling to prevent similar issues in future development cycles. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding guidelines and adhering to established security frameworks that address common web application vulnerabilities.