CVE-2006-6941 in FreeWebshop
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in FreeWebshop 2.2.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid action parameter in an info operation, which discloses the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6941 affects FreeWebshop version 2.2.2 and earlier, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths through improper error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the index.php file and specifically manifests when an invalid action parameter is submitted during an info operation, creating a scenario where attackers can extract sensitive path information from error messages generated by the application. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and error handling practices that directly violate security best practices for web application development.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or validate user input parameters before processing them within the application logic. When an invalid action parameter is provided to the info operation, the system generates an error message that inadvertently includes the full file path where the application is installed. This occurs because the application lacks proper exception handling and input validation mechanisms that would prevent such sensitive information from being exposed to unauthorized users. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper error handling, and represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts. The disclosed paths can reveal the exact location of the web application on the server, including directory structures and potentially sensitive file locations that could aid in subsequent attacks. Attackers can use this information to craft more targeted attacks, such as directory traversal attempts, or to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the same system. The exposure of system paths also violates the principle of least privilege by revealing information that should remain confidential to system administrators and authorized users only. This vulnerability can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as it enables adversaries to gather information about the file system structure.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires implementing proper input validation and error handling procedures throughout the application codebase. Developers should ensure that all user-supplied parameters are validated against expected values and that error messages do not contain sensitive system information. The application should implement generic error handling that prevents path disclosure and instead provides user-friendly error messages without exposing internal system details. Additionally, the system should be configured to log all invalid parameter attempts for security monitoring purposes while maintaining the confidentiality of system paths. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of why security-by-design principles must be implemented early in the development lifecycle, as proper error handling and input validation are fundamental security controls that prevent information disclosure attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting such vulnerabilities in production environments.