CVE-2004-1504 in JAF CMS
Summary
by MITRE
The displaycontent function in config.php for Just Another Flat file (JAF) CMS 3.0RC allows remote attackers to gain sensitive information via a blank show parameter, which reveals the installation path in an error message, as demonstrated using index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1504 resides within the Just Another Flat file CMS version 3.0RC, specifically within the config.php file's displaycontent function. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input parameters before processing them. The vulnerability manifests when a remote attacker submits a blank show parameter to the index.php script, which triggers an error message containing the system's installation path. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200 - Information Exposure, where sensitive system information is inadvertently revealed to unauthorized parties through error handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and error handling practices within the JAF CMS codebase. When the displaycontent function processes the show parameter without proper sanitization or validation, it creates an opportunity for attackers to probe the system's configuration and potentially map out the server's directory structure. The error message that reveals the installation path provides attackers with critical reconnaissance information that could be leveraged for subsequent attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as it enables adversaries to gather system information through error-based reconnaissance methods. The flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where the application exposes internal system details beyond what is necessary for legitimate operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with foundational knowledge required for more sophisticated attacks against the affected system. Once the installation path is known, attackers can potentially craft more targeted attacks such as path traversal exploits, directory listing enumeration, or even file inclusion vulnerabilities that might exist elsewhere in the application. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it violates the principle that sensitive system information should remain hidden from unauthorized users. The exposure of installation paths can also facilitate social engineering attacks, where attackers use this information to craft more convincing phishing attempts or to identify potential attack vectors based on common directory structures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling practices throughout the application. The primary fix involves modifying the displaycontent function in config.php to validate the show parameter before processing it, ensuring that empty or malformed parameters are handled gracefully without exposing system information. Implementing proper error handling that does not reveal internal system paths or file locations is essential, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten. Additionally, the application should be configured to log such attempts without exposing sensitive information in error messages, which addresses CWE-117 - Improper Output Neutralization for Logs and prevents attackers from using these logs for further reconnaissance. Regular security code reviews and input validation testing should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions, ensuring that error handling follows secure coding practices and does not inadvertently expose system configuration details to unauthorized users.