CVE-2006-6277 in ContentServ
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/FileServer.php in ContentServ 4.x allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the src parameter, a different vector than CVE-2005-3086.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-6277 represents a directory traversal flaw within the ContentServ 4.x content management system, specifically affecting the admin/FileServer.php component. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the src parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences. Unlike CVE-2005-3086 which addressed a similar issue, this particular vulnerability operates through a distinct attack vector, making it a separate and unique security concern within the ContentServ framework. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path access, allowing malicious users to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the admin/FileServer.php script processes user-supplied input without sufficient validation of the src parameter. When an attacker submits a path containing .. sequences, the application fails to properly sanitize or canonicalize the file path before attempting to access the requested resource. This allows the attacker to traverse up the directory hierarchy and access files that should remain protected, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, system files, or other sensitive data that resides outside the intended web root. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The attack vector leverages the fundamental weakness in file system access controls where insufficient input validation permits unauthorized access to restricted file system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the capability to extract sensitive information from the affected server. An attacker could potentially access database configuration files containing usernames and passwords, application source code that reveals implementation details, system configuration files, or other confidential data that could be used for further exploitation. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and subsequent attacks on the compromised system. The vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) when used as part of a broader attack chain, as it enables attackers to gather intelligence about the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6277 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the ContentServ application. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input, particularly file path parameters, undergo rigorous validation to prevent the inclusion of directory traversal sequences. This can be achieved through the implementation of allow-list validation that restricts file access to predefined, safe directories and file names. Additionally, the application should employ proper path canonicalization techniques that resolve all relative paths and eliminate any .. sequences before processing file access requests. System administrators should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of ContentServ 4.x that addresses this specific vulnerability, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation across all file access operations within the application. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.