CVE-2025-6866
BaseFortify
Publication date: 2025-06-29
Last updated on: 2026-04-29
Assigner: VulDB
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| fabian | simple_forum | 1.0 |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-22 | The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2025-6866 is a critical path traversal vulnerability in code-projects Simple Forum 1.0, specifically in the /forum_downloadfile.php file. The vulnerability occurs because the application does not properly validate or sanitize the filename parameter, allowing an attacker to include directory traversal sequences like '../'. This enables the attacker to access and download arbitrary files from the server outside the intended directory, potentially exposing sensitive information. [1, 2, 3]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive files such as source code, configuration files containing database credentials, system files (e.g., /etc/passwd), log files, credential stores, and SSH keys if readable. This information leakage can result in credential theft and may enable full system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities. [1, 3]
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
This vulnerability can be detected by monitoring HTTP GET requests to the /forum_downloadfile.php endpoint that include suspicious filename parameters containing directory traversal sequences such as '../'. You can use network monitoring tools or web server logs to identify such requests. For example, using grep on web server logs: `grep 'forum_downloadfile.php' /var/log/apache2/access.log | grep '\.\./'` to find attempts with directory traversal patterns. Additionally, attackers may be located using Google dorking queries like `inurl:forum_downloadfile.php` to find vulnerable targets. Monitoring for unusual file download requests and implementing alerts for such patterns is recommended. [2, 3]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Immediate mitigation steps include: 1) Restrict file paths by disallowing directory traversal sequences using functions like basename() or path normalization to sanitize the filename parameter. 2) Implement whitelisting to allow downloads only from a predefined set of safe files or use secure file ID mappings instead of direct filename input. 3) Store downloadable files outside the web root with proper permissions to limit exposure. 4) Enforce access controls to verify user authorization before serving files. 5) Log and monitor all download attempts and set alerts for suspicious activity. 6) Conduct periodic code reviews focusing on file handling logic to prevent direct filesystem exposure. If possible, replace the affected software with an alternative product as no known countermeasures exist for this version. [2, 3]