CVE-2002-1801 in Imagefolio
Summary
by MITRE
ImageFolio 2.23 through 2.27 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a nonexistent image category, which leaks the web root in the resulting error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1801 affects ImageFolio versions 2.23 through 2.27, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and information leakage, which is classified as CWE-209 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw manifests when the application processes requests for nonexistent image categories, resulting in error messages that inadvertently reveal the web root directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error message generation within the ImageFolio application framework. When a user or attacker requests a non-existent image category, the system fails to properly sanitize the error response, instead returning detailed information about the file system path where the application is installed. This type of error handling weakness enables attackers to gain insights into the server's directory structure, potentially exposing sensitive paths that could be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for affected systems as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance information. The leaked web root path can be used to understand the application's deployment structure, potentially revealing other directory locations that might contain sensitive configuration files, backup data, or other system components. This information disclosure can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal attempts or exploitation of other vulnerabilities within the same application framework.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which focuses on data manipulation and information gathering through error messages. Attackers can utilize this information to map the target environment and identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability represents a low-effort, high-impact exploitation opportunity since it requires minimal technical knowledge to trigger and can provide substantial reconnaissance data. Organizations running affected versions of ImageFolio should consider this vulnerability as a critical security concern that could enable more advanced persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive information disclosure in error responses. The recommended approach includes sanitizing all error messages to remove directory paths and system-specific details before presenting them to users. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive input validation to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly checked before being processed by the application. Regular updates and patches should be applied to ensure that vulnerable versions are not running in production environments, as this vulnerability has been documented for over two decades and represents a fundamental security flaw that should have been addressed in modern application development practices.
This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in web applications, particularly in the context of information security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation issues can create significant security risks when they expose system internals to unauthorized parties. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities within their application portfolios, as these types of flaws often remain undetected for extended periods due to their subtle nature and the difficulty in recognizing their potential impact on overall security posture.