CVE-2006-7049 in WikkaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
The Method method in WikkaWiki (Wikka Wiki) before 1.1.6.2 calls the strstr and strrpos functions with the wrong argument order, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions and access arbitrary PHP files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7049 affects WikkaWiki versions prior to 1.1.6.2 and represents a critical security flaw in the software's access control mechanisms. This issue stems from improper argument ordering in core PHP functions within the Method method implementation, creating a significant pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability exists within the wiki's file access validation logic, where the software fails to properly validate user permissions before allowing file operations to proceed.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when the WikkaWiki application processes user requests through its Method method, which incorrectly passes arguments to the strstr and strrpos PHP functions. These functions require specific parameter ordering to function correctly, and when invoked with reversed arguments, they fail to properly identify or validate file paths, leading to unexpected behavior in the access control validation process. This improper function call sequence allows attackers to manipulate the application's file access routines and bypass intended security restrictions that should prevent unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to access arbitrary PHP files on the server hosting the WikkaWiki application. This capability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers can potentially access configuration files, database connection details, and other sensitive system components that contain authentication credentials, database passwords, and application logic. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor mechanism for attackers to explore the server's file system and potentially escalate their privileges within the application environment.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of a logic flaw that undermines access control mechanisms. The issue falls under the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system resources that would normally be protected. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the server or direct network access to the application's internal processes.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate application of the official patch released by WikkaWiki developers, which corrects the argument order in the affected PHP function calls. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of WikkaWiki are updated to version 1.1.6.2 or later. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their wiki installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement proper file access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper function parameter validation in web applications and highlights the need for thorough code reviews to prevent logic flaws that can compromise entire system security models.