CVE-2006-6757 in cwmExplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in cwmExplorer 1.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and source code, and obtain sensitive information via directory traversal sequences in the show_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2024
The CVE-2006-6757 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in cwmExplorer 1.0's index.php component that exposes systems to remote code execution and information disclosure risks. This vulnerability specifically affects the show_file parameter which processes user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the target system. The flaw stems from inadequate input filtering mechanisms that fail to properly validate or sanitize file path references, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's file handling behavior through specially crafted directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by appending sequences such as ../../../etc/passwd or similar path manipulation techniques to the show_file parameter, enabling them to traverse the file system hierarchy and access sensitive files that should remain protected. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be leveraged to retrieve configuration files, source code, database credentials, and other confidential information stored on the server.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-6757 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attacks within the ATT&CK framework's reconnaissance and credential access phases. Successful exploitation allows threat actors to obtain sensitive system information including user credentials, application source code, and system configuration details that could facilitate further compromise. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from outside the network perimeter without requiring local system access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. This exposure could lead to complete system compromise if sensitive files containing database connection strings, encryption keys, or administrative credentials are accessible through the traversal mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate input validation and sanitization measures that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed by the application. Organizations should implement proper path validation that ensures all file references are confined to designated directories and reject any input containing traversal sequences. The implementation of a whitelist approach for file access, where only predetermined files or directories are allowed, provides the most robust defense against such attacks. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be applied to eliminate known vulnerabilities, while network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit the attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and access controls should be strictly enforced to minimize the potential damage from any successful attack.