CVE-2006-6273 in Simple PHP Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
sp_index.php in Simple PHP Gallery 1.1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid dir parameter, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6273 affects Simple PHP Gallery version 1.1 and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This issue resides within the sp_index.php script where improper input validation leads to the revelation of server path information through error messages generated when processing invalid directory parameters. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper error handling and input sanitization that creates an attack surface for threat actors seeking to gather reconnaissance data about the target system. Such information disclosure vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they provide attackers with critical system details that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. The flaw operates by accepting user-supplied input through the dir parameter without adequate validation or sanitization, allowing malicious actors to craft requests that trigger error responses containing filesystem paths.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure vulnerabilities, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that mandate proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates how simple parameter manipulation can lead to unintended information disclosure, making it a prime example of a low-complexity, high-impact security flaw. When an attacker submits an invalid dir parameter, the application fails to properly validate the input and instead generates an error message that inadvertently reveals the absolute path of the web application on the server filesystem. This type of error message exposure is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with exact locations where the application resides, potentially revealing directory structures, file paths, and other system-specific details that could aid in further exploitation. The vulnerability lacks proper exception handling and input sanitization, creating a scenario where user-controllable data directly influences error message generation without appropriate filtering or sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. The revealed path information can help attackers understand the server configuration, directory structure, and potentially identify other applications or services running on the same system. This information disclosure can facilitate attacks such as local file inclusion vulnerabilities, directory traversal attempts, or other exploitation techniques that rely on knowledge of the target filesystem. The vulnerability also contributes to the overall security posture degradation of the affected system, as it provides attackers with baseline information that would otherwise be difficult to obtain through passive reconnaissance. From an attacker's perspective, this information can be used to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates without requiring authentication or specialized tools, making it accessible to any remote attacker with basic knowledge of web application exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation, error handling, and secure coding practices throughout the application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is validated against expected formats and ranges before processing, with invalid inputs being handled gracefully without revealing system-specific information. The implementation of generic error messages that do not contain sensitive path information is crucial for preventing information disclosure. Additionally, developers should follow secure coding guidelines that emphasize proper exception handling and input sanitization, ensuring that error messages are sanitized before display and that no system-specific details are exposed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT/CC secure coding practices, which emphasize the need for robust input validation and error handling. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, as this type of information disclosure flaw remains common in legacy web applications. Implementing proper logging mechanisms can also help detect and respond to exploitation attempts, while network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.