CVE-2006-5773 in FreeWebshop
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in FreeWebshop 2.2.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and disclose the installation path via a .. (dot dot) in the action parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5773 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FreeWebshop 2.2.1 content management system and its earlier versions. This security weakness resides in the index.php script where user input is not properly sanitized before being processed, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate file access requests through crafted directory navigation sequences. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the action parameter contains .. (dot dot) sequences that are used to navigate upward through the directory structure, bypassing normal file access controls and potentially exposing sensitive system files.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the FreeWebshop application. When the action parameter is processed without proper filtering, the system interprets the .. sequences as legitimate directory navigation commands rather than malicious input attempts. This allows attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should normally be restricted, including configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive data that may reveal the complete installation path and underlying system structure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring authentication or special privileges.
The operational impact of this directory traversal vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access arbitrary files on the server. This capability enables comprehensive reconnaissance of the target system, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, database connection strings, and other critical system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The disclosure of the installation path creates additional attack surface by revealing the exact location of the web application within the server filesystem, which can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as local file inclusion vulnerabilities or privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including FreeWebshop 2.2.1, making it a persistent threat for organizations still running these outdated systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to a patched version of FreeWebshop, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, and applying web application firewalls to filter out malicious directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries enumerate system resources to understand the target environment. Security measures should include parameter validation that rejects or removes directory traversal sequences, proper access controls that limit file system access, and regular security audits to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other applications. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring can help detect exploitation attempts and provide evidence for incident response activities.