CVE-2006-7117 in Kubix
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Kubix 0.7 and earlier allow remote attackers to (1) include and execute arbitrary local files via ".." sequences in the theme cookie to index.php, which is not properly handled by includes/head.php; and (2) read arbitrary files via ".." sequences in the file parameter in an add_dl action to adm_index.php, as demonstrated by reading connect.php.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-7117 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Kubix 0.7 and earlier versions, exposing the application to remote code execution and unauthorized data access. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the application's file handling mechanisms, specifically targeting the theme cookie parameter in index.php and the file parameter in adm_index.php. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences using double dots ".." which should be restricted but are not properly filtered or validated.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability operates through two distinct attack vectors that exploit the same underlying weakness in input handling. The first vector targets the theme cookie parameter in the index.php file where includes/head.php fails to properly sanitize user input containing directory traversal sequences. When an attacker crafts a malicious cookie value containing ".." sequences, the application processes these paths without adequate validation, potentially allowing inclusion of local files from unexpected directories. The second vector operates through the file parameter within the add_dl action of adm_index.php, where similar inadequate input validation permits attackers to specify arbitrary file paths for reading operations. This particular attack path was demonstrated by successfully reading the connect.php file, which likely contains database connection credentials and other sensitive configuration data.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-7117 extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass full system compromise potential through remote code execution. Attackers exploiting the first vector could potentially include and execute arbitrary local files, which may include malicious PHP scripts that could provide remote access to the server. The second vector allows for arbitrary file reading, which could expose sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is categorized under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental flaw in path validation and access control. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects core application functionality, allowing attackers to manipulate both the user interface rendering and administrative file operations.
From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1083 - File and Directory Discovery tactics. The vulnerability enables attackers to discover file system structures and execute arbitrary code, providing a foundation for further exploitation. The impact on system security is severe as it allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially gain full administrative privileges. Organizations using affected Kubix versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments with inadequate security monitoring and patch management processes.
Effective mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-7117 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization across all user-controllable parameters. The most effective approach involves implementing strict path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed, ensuring that all file operations occur within predetermined safe directories. Organizations should implement proper parameter sanitization routines that strip or encode potentially dangerous characters including "..", "/", and "\" from all user inputs before processing. Additionally, the application should employ a whitelist approach for file operations, only allowing access to pre-approved files and directories. System administrators should also implement proper access controls and file permissions to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation, which aligns with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize proper data validation and access control mechanisms.