CVE-2006-6744 in phpProfiles
Summary
by MITRE
phpProfiles before 2.1.1 does not have an index.php or other index file in the (1) image_data, (2) graphics/comm, or (3) users read/write directories, which might allow remote attackers to list directory contents or have other unknown impacts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6744 affects phpProfiles versions prior to 2.1.1 and represents a directory traversal and information disclosure weakness that stems from missing index files in critical application directories. This issue resides within the web application's directory structure configuration where essential index files are absent from the image_data, graphics/comm, and users read/write directories. The absence of these files creates a fundamental security gap that can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to directory listings and potentially sensitive information stored within these locations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-548 Information Exposure Through Directory Listing, which occurs when applications fail to properly secure directory access by not implementing proper index files or access controls. The flaw essentially creates a default directory browsing scenario where attackers can enumerate directory contents without proper authentication or authorization, potentially revealing file structures, user data, or application configuration details. The impact extends beyond simple directory listing as it may expose sensitive files, configuration information, or even lead to further exploitation opportunities through the discovery of additional vulnerabilities within the application's file structure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using affected versions of phpProfiles as it allows remote attackers to perform reconnaissance activities without requiring any credentials or authentication. Attackers can leverage this weakness to map the application's directory structure, identify potentially sensitive files, and gather intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. The lack of proper index files in the image_data directory could expose user-uploaded content, while the graphics/comm and users read/write directories might contain user-generated data or application-specific files that could be exploited for privilege escalation or data exfiltration.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques. Remote attackers can simply navigate to the affected directories through standard web browser access, potentially discovering sensitive data through directory enumeration. This weakness also maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 Data from Information Repositories, as it enables adversaries to collect information from repositories that should normally be protected. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security configuration practices and highlights the importance of proper directory access controls and the implementation of proper index files to prevent unauthorized access to directory contents.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to phpProfiles version 2.1.1 or later to address this vulnerability, as the fix typically involves implementing proper index files in the affected directories or configuring proper access controls. Additionally, administrators should review their web server configurations to ensure that directory browsing is disabled and that proper access controls are implemented throughout the application's directory structure. The remediation process should include implementing proper index files in all directories, configuring appropriate access controls, and conducting regular security audits to identify and address similar configuration weaknesses that could expose sensitive information or create unauthorized access points within the application's file structure.