CVE-2004-0066 in phpGedView
Summary
by MITRE
phpGedView before 2.65 allows remote attackers to obtain the absolute path of the web server via malformed parameters to (1) indilist.php, (2) famlist.php, (3) placelist.php, (4) imageview.php, (5) timeline.php, (6) clippings.php, (7) login.php, and (8) gdbi.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2018
This vulnerability in phpGedView versions prior to 2.65 represents a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes absolute server paths to remote attackers through improper parameter handling in multiple script files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's core components, specifically affecting eight key scripts that process user input without adequate sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending malformed parameters to the targeted files, which causes the application to reveal sensitive path information through error messages or direct output. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure as defined by CWE-209, where the application inadvertently provides attackers with detailed system information that can be used for further exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when phpGedView processes user-supplied parameters without proper validation, leading to error conditions that expose the absolute path structure of the web server. When malformed parameters are passed to any of the affected scripts including indilist.php, famlist.php, placelist.php, imageview.php, timeline.php, clippings.php, login.php, or gdbi.php, the application fails to handle these inputs gracefully. Instead of masking or sanitizing the error output, the system reveals the complete file path where the application resides on the server, which can include directory structures, file names, and potentially sensitive configuration details. This exposure creates a significant risk for attackers as they can use this information to map the server environment and plan more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with foundational information required for advanced exploitation techniques. The leaked absolute paths can be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to perform directory traversal attacks, local file inclusion exploits, or to craft more targeted payloads. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which involves discovering system information through path enumeration. The exposed paths can also aid in bypassing security controls such as web application firewalls, as attackers can use the discovered information to craft requests that may not be properly filtered. Organizations running affected versions of phpGedView face increased risk of subsequent compromise, as this information disclosure serves as a crucial reconnaissance step for attackers planning more extensive attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of the vendor patch released with phpGedView version 2.65, which implements proper input validation and error handling for all affected scripts. System administrators should also implement comprehensive input sanitization measures that validate all user-supplied parameters before processing, ensuring that malformed inputs are rejected rather than processed. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block malicious parameter patterns targeting these specific scripts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify similar input validation flaws, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling and parameter validation in preventing information disclosure attacks. The remediation process should also include disabling unnecessary error messages in production environments and implementing proper logging mechanisms to monitor for exploitation attempts.