CVE-2002-2247 in Site Server
Summary
by MITRE
The administrator/phpinfo.php script in Mambo Site Server 4.0.11 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information such as the full web root path via phpinfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2247 represents a classic information disclosure flaw that existed in the Mambo Site Server 4.0.11 web application framework. This issue stems from the inclusion of a phpinfo.php script within the administrator directory structure, which exposes critical system information to unauthorized remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects the web server configuration and application deployment environment by providing attackers with detailed insights into the server's PHP configuration, installed modules, and system paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the phpinfo() function, which is a built-in php feature designed for debugging and system information display. When accessed remotely, this function reveals comprehensive details about the php environment including server configuration parameters, environment variables, loaded extensions, and most critically, the full web root path of the installation. This information can be leveraged by attackers to understand the application's file structure and potentially identify additional attack vectors. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200 as "Information Disclosure" and represents a fundamental security misconfiguration where sensitive system information is exposed without proper access controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using Mambo Site Server 4.0.11 as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file system layout. The disclosure of the full web root path enables attackers to plan more sophisticated attacks including directory traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, and potential privilege escalation attempts. The impact extends beyond simple information gathering as this knowledge can be used to map the entire application structure and identify other potential weaknesses in the web application's security posture. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) techniques, as it provides the foundational information needed for deeper system exploration.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate removal or access restriction of the phpinfo.php script from production environments. Organizations should implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized access to administrative scripts and ensure that debugging functions are disabled in production deployments. The recommended approach includes configuring web server access controls, implementing proper authentication mechanisms, and conducting regular security audits to identify and eliminate similar information disclosure vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should establish secure coding practices that prevent the inclusion of debugging scripts in production releases and maintain up-to-date security configurations that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regular patch management and application security assessments are essential to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and frameworks.