CVE-2006-6533 in osCommerce
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/templates_boxes_layout.php in osCommerce 3.0a3 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary PHP files via a .. (dot dot) in the filter parameter. NOTE: this issue can be leveraged to obtain full path information in error messages.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6533 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the osCommerce 3.0a3 e-commerce platform, specifically affecting the admin/templates_boxes_layout.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms through crafted input parameters, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution and sensitive information disclosure. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied data within the filter parameter, which is processed without adequate restrictions on directory navigation sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the filter parameter to include directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters. When the application processes these sequences without proper validation, it allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files that should remain restricted. This flaw 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 vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple file access as it can be leveraged to obtain full path information through error messages, providing attackers with detailed system layout information that can be used for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to upload malicious files, execute commands, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The disclosure of full path information through error messages creates additional risk by providing attackers with detailed knowledge of the server's file structure, which can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks against other system components. This vulnerability effectively undermines the application's security model and can result in data breaches, system takeover, and unauthorized access to confidential information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms throughout the application. The primary defense involves proper parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences before they can be processed by the application. Security measures should include implementing whitelist validation for acceptable parameter values, employing proper file inclusion techniques that do not rely on user-supplied input for path resolution, and ensuring that error messages do not disclose sensitive system information. Organizations should also implement the principle of least privilege for file access, restrict file inclusion to specific directories, and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious traversal attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PHP, and T1068 for privilege escalation through path traversal attacks, making comprehensive security controls essential for protection against exploitation attempts.