CVE-2007-6161 in Tilde
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in Tilde CMS 4.x and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a certain search parameter value in a search action, which reveals the path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6161 affects Tilde CMS versions 4.x and earlier, specifically targeting the index.php file within the application's search functionality. This issue represents a sensitive data exposure vulnerability that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to system path information through manipulated search parameters. The flaw exists in the application's handling of search requests where specific parameter values trigger the disclosure of directory paths used internally by the CMS.
This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure as defined by CWE-200, where the application inadvertently reveals sensitive information to unauthorized users. The technical implementation flaw occurs when the search functionality processes user input without proper sanitization or validation of the search parameter values. When attackers submit specific search queries, the application's response includes the absolute or relative file paths used by the CMS, potentially exposing the underlying file system structure to malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The leaked path information can reveal the installation directory structure, which may include sensitive components or configurations that could aid in further exploitation attempts. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and can serve as a foundational step for attackers seeking to map the target system's file structure.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices within the CMS's search implementation, where user-provided data is directly incorporated into application responses without adequate sanitization. The exposure of system paths can potentially lead to directory traversal attacks, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or other path-based exploits that rely on knowledge of the target's file system layout. Organizations running affected Tilde CMS versions should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates or implementation of input validation controls to prevent unauthorized path disclosure.
The vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly innocuous application features can expose critical system information when proper security controls are not implemented. The search functionality, which should be a benign user interface element, becomes a vector for information leakage due to inadequate parameter handling. This issue underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices throughout application code, particularly in components that process user-supplied data. Organizations should implement proper logging and monitoring to detect suspicious search parameter usage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against similar vulnerabilities.