CVE-2004-1830 in Error Manager
Summary
by MITRE
error.php in Error Manager 2.1 for PHP-Nuke 6.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid (1) language, (2) newlang, or (3) lang parameter, which leaks the pathname in a PHP error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1830 represents a classic information disclosure flaw within the Error Manager 2.1 component of PHP-Nuke 6.0 systems. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's error reporting system. The vulnerability specifically affects the error.php script which serves as the central error handling mechanism for the application. When attackers submit malformed or invalid values for the language parameters including language, newlang, or lang, the system fails to properly validate these inputs and instead processes them directly, leading to the exposure of sensitive system information through error messages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP parameters that are typically used for language configuration within web applications. When an attacker provides invalid input for these parameters, the PHP error handling mechanism generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute file path of the server where the application is hosted. This type of information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200 - Information Exposure, which specifically addresses the improper exposure of sensitive information through error messages or other system feedback mechanisms. The error messages generated by the flawed error.php script contain detailed path information that can be used by attackers to understand the server's file structure and potentially identify other vulnerable components or files within the system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for systems running PHP-Nuke 6.0 with Error Manager 2.1 as it allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive system information without requiring any authentication or privileged access. The exposure of absolute file paths can enable attackers to perform directory traversal attacks, identify other vulnerable applications or components, and plan more sophisticated exploitation strategies. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can serve as a reconnaissance tool for attackers to map the target system's architecture and identify potential attack vectors. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where multiple applications share the same server or where the application is hosted in a shared hosting environment, as the leaked path information might reveal other applications or system components that could be targeted.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to reconnaissance and initial access phases. Attackers can use the leaked path information to conduct more targeted attacks against the system or to identify other vulnerabilities that might exist within the application or server environment. The vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in input validation and error handling practices that are fundamental to secure application development. Organizations should implement proper error handling mechanisms that do not reveal sensitive system information to users, and should ensure that all user-supplied inputs are properly validated and sanitized before being processed by the application. The recommended mitigation involves updating to a patched version of PHP-Nuke or implementing proper input validation and error handling procedures that prevent the exposure of system path information in error messages, thereby addressing the underlying CWE-200 vulnerability and reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries.