CVE-2006-5389 in PHP-Wyana
Summary
by MITRE
tools/tellhim.php in PHP-Wyana allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid lang parameter, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5389 resides within the PHP-Wyana web application toolkit, specifically in the tools/tellhim.php component. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input parameters. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker submits an invalid lang parameter to the tellhim.php script, which then generates an error message containing sensitive filesystem path information. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-209 category of "Information Exposure Through an Error Message" and demonstrates poor error handling practices that expose system internals to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input sanitization and validation within the PHP-Wyana application. When the lang parameter is not properly validated, the application processes it through a flawed error handling mechanism that inadvertently reveals the full filesystem path where the application is installed. This occurs because the error message generation routine does not sanitize the user-supplied parameter before incorporating it into the error output. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the application's installation directory structure, which can serve as a foundation for subsequent exploitation attempts. The error message typically contains the absolute path to the tellhim.php file and potentially other related system components, creating a direct pathway for attackers to understand the application's architecture and locate additional potential vulnerabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of systems running PHP-Wyana, as it provides remote attackers with crucial reconnaissance information without requiring any authentication or privileged access. The exposure of filesystem paths can enable attackers to perform directory traversal attacks, identify system configurations, and plan more sophisticated exploitation strategies. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as it facilitates unauthorized discovery of system file structures. Additionally, this information disclosure can serve as a stepping stone for privilege escalation attempts, as knowledge of the application's file system layout often reveals other potentially vulnerable components or misconfigurations within the same directory structure.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5389 should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the PHP-Wyana application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict validation before being processed, with invalid inputs being handled gracefully without revealing system-specific information. The application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages from being displayed to end users, instead logging these errors internally for administrative review while presenting generic error messages to users. This approach aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and follows the principle of least privilege in error handling. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter out suspicious parameter values and regularly update the PHP-Wyana application to versions that have addressed this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling in web applications and serves as a reminder that seemingly minor implementation flaws can have significant security implications.