CVE-2006-6513 in Winamp Web Interface
Summary
by MITRE
The CControl::Download function (/dl URI) in Winamp Web Interface (Wawi) 7.5.13 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to download arbitrary file types under the root via a trailing "." (dot) in a filename in the file parameter, related to erroneous behavior of the IsWinampFile function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6513 resides within the Winamp Web Interface component known as Wawi version 7.5.13 and earlier implementations. This security flaw manifests in the CControl::Download function which processes requests through the /dl URI endpoint. The issue specifically affects authenticated remote attackers who can leverage this vulnerability to access files that should normally be restricted from direct download access. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of filename parameters within the file download functionality, creating an avenue for unauthorized file retrieval under the web server's root directory.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the flawed implementation of the IsWinampFile function which incorrectly processes filenames containing trailing dots or periods. When a malicious user submits a filename parameter with a trailing dot character, the function fails to properly validate or sanitize the input, allowing the web interface to interpret and process the request in a manner that bypasses normal file access controls. This behavior creates a path traversal condition where the system attempts to resolve the file path incorrectly, potentially exposing sensitive system files or directories that should remain protected from public access. The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper input validation and inadequate file access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running affected versions of Winamp Web Interface. Remote authenticated attackers can exploit this flaw to download arbitrary files from the server's file system, potentially accessing configuration files, user data, or other sensitive information that should remain protected. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that are not intended for public download, creating a serious data exposure risk. Organizations using affected versions of Wawi may experience unauthorized data access, potential system compromise through sensitive file retrieval, and overall degradation of their web interface security posture.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all filename parameters within the download functionality. The most effective approach involves updating the IsWinampFile function to properly handle and reject filenames containing trailing dots or other potentially malicious characters that could be used for path traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement strict file access controls and ensure that the web interface operates with minimal privileges, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, applying the latest security patches from the vendor and conducting regular security assessments of web applications will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in the system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-77 Path Traversal, and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, where attackers exploit web interface vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to system resources.