CVE-2006-5866 in phpManta
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Mdoc/view-sourcecode.php for phpManta 1.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to read and include arbitrary files via ".." sequences in the file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-5866 affects phpManta version 1.0.2 and earlier, specifically within the Mdoc/view-sourcecode.php component. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system through manipulation of the file parameter using directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling mechanism, allowing malicious users to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries.
This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category 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 operates by permitting attackers to include or read files outside the designated document root or restricted directories through the use of sequences such as ".." or similar path manipulation techniques. When the application processes the file parameter without proper validation, it directly incorporates user-supplied input into file operations, creating an opportunity for unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the capability to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data. Additionally, the vulnerability allows for remote code execution if the application processes the included files as executable code, enabling attackers to gain full control over the affected system. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers Phishing with Malicious Attachments, where attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to obtain system access through malicious file inclusion.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward, requiring only a remote connection to the vulnerable application and the ability to manipulate the file parameter in the Mdoc/view-sourcecode.php endpoint. Attackers can construct malicious URLs with directory traversal sequences to access files such as /etc/passwd, configuration files, or source code files that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the system, as unauthorized parties can access sensitive data and potentially modify system behavior through code inclusion attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the phpManta application to version 1.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the directory traversal flaw. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures is critical, including rejecting or encoding directory traversal sequences in user-supplied parameters. The application should enforce strict file access controls, limiting file operations to predefined directories and implementing proper path normalization techniques. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and input filtering rules can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and implement proper access controls to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities in their environments.