CVE-2006-5319 in Foafgen
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in redir.php in Foafgen 0.3 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the foaf parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5319 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Foafgen 0.3 web application, specifically affecting the redir.php script. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability manifests when the foaf parameter in the redir.php script accepts directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters, allowing malicious actors to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access unauthorized files on the server. The flaw directly enables attackers to exploit the application's file handling routines without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal or path traversal attacks as a fundamental security weakness. When an attacker supplies a malicious foaf parameter containing sequences like ../../../etc/passwd, the application processes these traversal elements without sufficient validation, resulting in the disclosure of sensitive system files. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of insecure direct object references and represents a common vector for information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability exists because the application does not properly sanitize or validate the input parameter before using it in file system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5319 extends beyond simple file disclosure, potentially exposing critical system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive data stored on the server. The consequences include unauthorized data access, potential system compromise, and exposure of sensitive organizational information. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that dynamically construct file paths based on user input without proper security controls, making it a significant concern for systems hosting sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the core input validation issues and implement proper security controls to prevent unauthorized file access. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization and validation mechanisms that reject or filter out directory traversal sequences before processing user input. The recommended approach includes employing allow-list validation techniques, where only predetermined safe characters and patterns are accepted, rather than attempting to filter out dangerous inputs. Additionally, the application should utilize secure coding practices that prevent dynamic file path construction from user-supplied data. Implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can also limit the damage from such vulnerabilities. This remediation aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering files and directories, which emphasizes the importance of proper input validation to prevent unauthorized access to system resources.