CVE-2003-0737 in phpWebSite
Summary
by MITRE
The calendar module in phpWebSite 0.9.x and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the full pathname of phpWebSite via an invalid year, which generates an error from localtime() in TimeZone.php of the Pear library.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-0737 represents a classic information disclosure flaw within the phpWebSite content management system. This issue affects versions 0.9.x and earlier, where the calendar module fails to properly validate user input when processing date information. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of invalid year values, which triggers an error condition within the underlying Pear library's TimeZone.php component. When an attacker submits an invalid year parameter, the system's error handling mechanism exposes the complete file system path through error messages generated by the localtime() function.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward remote attack vector that does not require authentication or special privileges. Attackers can simply manipulate the year parameter in calendar-related requests to trigger the error condition. The localtime() function in the Pear library, when encountering an invalid year value, generates an error message that inadvertently includes the full absolute path to the phpWebSite installation directory. This path disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with detailed information about the server's file structure, which can be used for further exploitation attempts.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure through error messages. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate error handling mechanisms that are commonly exploited in web application attacks. The exposure of file system paths through error messages creates opportunities for attackers to map the server structure and potentially identify other vulnerabilities within the application's architecture. This type of information disclosure can serve as a reconnaissance step for more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal attempts or exploitation of other components within the same file system hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with foundational information for subsequent attack phases. The full pathname exposure can be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to execute more targeted attacks against the system. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's reconnaissance phase, where attackers gather system information before launching more destructive operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper error handling and input validation mechanisms within web applications, particularly when integrating third-party libraries such as the Pear library.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and error handling procedures within the phpWebSite application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of phpWebSite that address this specific issue, as the vulnerability has been resolved in subsequent releases. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not expose system paths in error messages, configuring web server error pages to suppress detailed error information, and applying input sanitization measures can prevent exploitation of this flaw. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual error patterns and path disclosure attempts, while regular security audits should verify that all third-party components are properly integrated and that error handling follows secure coding practices.