CVE-2006-6185 in Wabbit PHP Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in script.php in Wabbit PHP Gallery 0.9 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the dir parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6185 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Wabbit PHP Gallery version 0.9 web application. This security weakness resides in the script.php component and specifically affects the index.php file's handling of the dir parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied directory paths, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness through crafted URL parameters containing directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of the dir parameter through the use of double dots .. sequences that are commonly used in file systems to navigate to parent directories. When the web application processes these parameters without adequate validation, it becomes possible for attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted. This occurs because the application fails to implement proper path validation or canonicalization, allowing the .. sequences to be interpreted literally rather than being neutralized or rejected. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-documented weakness that affects numerous web applications and systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This could include sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user data, or even system files that should never be accessible through the web interface. An attacker could potentially read php files containing database connection strings, administrative credentials, or other sensitive information that could lead to further compromise of the system. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the server or any local privileges, making it particularly dangerous in web-hosted environments where the application is accessible from the internet.
This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and privilege escalation. The directory traversal attack represents a form of reconnaissance where an attacker attempts to gather information about the system's file structure and potentially extract sensitive data. The attack pattern follows the initial access phase where the attacker identifies a vulnerable web application and then uses the directory traversal technique to expand their information gathering capabilities. The ability to read arbitrary files can provide attackers with the information necessary to plan more sophisticated attacks, including identifying other vulnerable components or extracting credentials that could be used for lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application code. The most effective approach involves implementing a whitelist-based validation system that only allows specific, predetermined directory paths rather than accepting arbitrary user input. Additionally, the application should implement proper path canonicalization to resolve and normalize all paths before processing, ensuring that .. sequences are neutralized or removed entirely. Implementing proper access controls and ensuring that the web application runs with minimal necessary privileges can also limit the potential damage from such attacks. The fix should also include proper error handling that does not reveal internal file system information to users, as this information could aid in further exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application or related systems.