CVE-2006-5786 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in class2.php in e107 0.7.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to read and execute PHP code in arbitrary files via ".." sequences in the e107language_e107cookie cookie to gsitemap.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5786 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the e107 content management system version 0.7.5 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the class2.php script and manifests through the gsitemap.php component when processing the e107language_e107cookie cookie parameter. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths using directory traversal sequences, allowing unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the cookie parameter, which is then processed without proper restrictions on path resolution. This creates a pathway for attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access sensitive files that should remain protected.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. Attackers can craft malicious cookie values containing sequences such as "../" or similar directory traversal patterns that, when processed by the vulnerable gsitemap.php script, result in unintended file access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows not only file reading but also potential code execution, as the system processes PHP code contained within accessible files. This dual capability of data exfiltration and code execution makes the vulnerability extremely hazardous in compromised environments. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the cookie input before using it in file operations, creating an attack surface that directly violates secure coding principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise potential. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user authentication data, and potentially execute malicious PHP code on the target server. This capability can lead to complete system takeover, data breaches, and unauthorized access to user information. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of e107 CMS, which is widely used for website content management, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise multiple websites. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication, making it a server-side vulnerability that can be exploited remotely. Organizations using vulnerable versions of e107 face significant risk of data exposure and system compromise, especially when the CMS is deployed in environments with sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to e107 version 0.7.6 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and sanitization of cookie parameters. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation that rejects or normalizes directory traversal sequences before they are processed in file operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by blocking suspicious cookie values containing traversal sequences. Security configurations should include proper file access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper parameter validation as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's defense against credential access and privilege escalation techniques. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application stack, ensuring that similar directory traversal vulnerabilities do not exist in other parts of the system.