CVE-2004-1590 in Clientexec
Summary
by MITRE
Clientexec allows remote attackers to gain sensitive information via an HTTP request to phpinfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1590 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Clientexec web application framework. This vulnerability specifically targets the phpinfo.php endpoint which executes the phpinfo function, exposing sensitive server configuration details to remote attackers. The issue stems from inadequate access controls and improper input validation within the application's web interface, allowing unauthorized users to directly access administrative functionality through simple HTTP requests.
This vulnerability operates at the application layer and falls under the category of information disclosure as classified by CWE-200. The technical implementation involves the phpinfo function being executed without proper authentication checks or authorization controls, enabling attackers to retrieve comprehensive server environment details including PHP configuration settings, loaded extensions, environment variables, and potentially sensitive system information. The flaw exists because the application fails to implement proper access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized access to diagnostic and configuration pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as the exposed phpinfo output can provide attackers with detailed insights into the server environment including potential version information for PHP modules, server configuration parameters, and system paths that could be leveraged for subsequent attacks. According to ATT&CK framework category T1212, this vulnerability enables adversaries to gather system information that can be used for further exploitation. Attackers can utilize the disclosed information to identify potential weaknesses in the server configuration, locate vulnerable components, or plan more sophisticated attacks targeting specific PHP modules or system configurations.
The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in web application development, particularly regarding the exposure of diagnostic functions in production environments. Organizations using Clientexec or similar applications are at risk of having their server configurations, PHP settings, and potentially sensitive environment variables exposed to malicious actors. The attack vector is straightforward requiring only basic HTTP request capabilities, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper authentication controls for all administrative endpoints, removing or securing diagnostic pages from public access, and ensuring that sensitive server information is not exposed through web interfaces. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. The fix involves implementing access control lists or authentication mechanisms that verify user privileges before allowing access to phpinfo.php or similar diagnostic endpoints. This aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing the importance of least privilege access and secure configuration management to prevent unauthorized information disclosure.