CVE-2003-1486 in Phorum
Summary
by MITRE
Phorum 3.4 through 3.4.2 allows remote attackers to obtain the full path of the web server via an incorrect HTTP request to (1) smileys.php, (2) quick_listrss.php, (3) purge.php, (4) news.php, (5) memberlist.php, (6) forum_listrss.php, (7) forum_list_rdf.php, (8) forum_list.php, or (9) move.php, which leaks the information in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
This vulnerability exists in Phorum versions 3.4 through 3.4.2 where improper error handling allows remote attackers to extract sensitive server path information through malformed HTTP requests. The flaw manifests when specific PHP scripts receive incorrect input parameters, causing the application to generate error messages that inadvertently disclose the full server path structure. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper error handling mechanisms. The affected scripts include smileys.php, quick_listrss.php, purge.php, news.php, memberlist.php, forum_listrss.php, forum_list_rdf.php, forum_list.php, and move.php, all of which exhibit this behavior when processing malformed requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends carefully crafted HTTP requests to any of the listed PHP endpoints without proper parameter validation. The application fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming requests, leading to error conditions that are then displayed to the attacker in the HTTP response. This path disclosure can reveal critical system information including the absolute file paths, directory structures, and potentially the operating system configuration. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with foundational information needed for more sophisticated attacks, including potential exploitation of other vulnerabilities that might exist within the disclosed paths. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate error handling that violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of the affected web application. Attackers can use the disclosed paths to map the server structure, identify potential weak points in the directory hierarchy, and plan more targeted attacks against other services or applications running on the same server. This information leakage can facilitate attacks such as directory traversal, local file inclusion, or remote code execution vulnerabilities that might exist elsewhere in the system. The vulnerability also violates security best practices established by the defense-in-depth principle, as it provides attackers with internal system knowledge that should remain hidden from external parties. Organizations may also face compliance violations with security standards such as pci dss, which require protection of system information and proper error handling.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms across all affected PHP scripts. The recommended approach includes sanitizing all user inputs before processing, implementing generic error messages that do not reveal system information, and ensuring that all error conditions are properly logged without exposing sensitive details in HTTP responses. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade from vulnerable Phorum versions to patched releases, while organizations should implement proper web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious request patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, and developers should follow secure coding practices that align with the CWE guidelines for preventing information exposure through error messages. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that error handling no longer reveals path information while maintaining proper application functionality and logging capabilities.