CVE-2006-5596: Directory traversal vulnerability in the SSL server in AEP Smartgate 4.3b allows remote attackers to download

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-5596 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting smartgate ssl server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Directory traversal vulnerability in the SSL server in AEP Smartgate 4.3b allows remote attackers to download arbitrary files via ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequences in an HTTP GET request.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.0% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-10-28
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: aep networks

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-10-28 00:07 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:31 UTCUpdated Record last modified

aep networks smartgate ssl server DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.3b

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.3b

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy smartgate-ssl-server || rpm -q smartgate-ssl-server || smartgate-ssl-server --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.3b (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison smartgate-ssl-server sudo apt install smartgate-ssl-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.3b> sudo apt-mark hold smartgate-ssl-server

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list smartgate-ssl-server sudo dnf downgrade smartgate-ssl-server-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.3b> sudo dnf versionlock add smartgate-ssl-server

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: AEP SmartGate 4.3b - 'GET' Arbitrary File Download

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2006-5596?

smartgate ssl server: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2006-5596 being exploited?

CVE-2006-5596 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2006-5596 affect?

CVE-2006-5596 affects smartgate ssl server. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Directory traversal vulnerability in the SSL server in AEP Smartgate 4.3b allows remote attackers to download arbitrary files via ..\ (dot dot backslash) sequences in an HTTP GET request.

How urgent is CVE-2006-5596?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2006-5725 MEDIUM 5.0 DOWNGRADE The SSL server in AEP Smartgate 4.3b allows remote attackers to determine existence of directories via a direc

References

← Back to latest CVEs