CVE-2004-1971 in Video Gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
modules.php in PHP-Nuke Video Gallery Module 0.1 Beta 5 allows remote attackers to gain sensitive information via an HTTP request with an invalid (1) catid or (2) clipid parameter, which reveals the full path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1971 affects the PHP-Nuke Video Gallery Module version 0.1 Beta 5, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths to remote attackers. This issue resides within the modules.php file which processes user input parameters without proper validation, creating an avenue for adversaries to extract sensitive server path information through crafted HTTP requests. The vulnerability specifically targets two parameter fields: catid and clipid, both of which when provided with invalid values trigger error messages containing the full server path. This type of information disclosure represents a fundamental security weakness that can significantly aid attackers in planning subsequent exploitation attempts.
From a technical perspective, the flaw demonstrates poor input validation and error handling practices within the PHP application. When invalid catid or clipid parameters are submitted, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate user input before processing, resulting in the generation of error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete file system path. This occurs because the application does not implement proper exception handling or input validation mechanisms that would prevent malformed parameters from triggering system-level error responses. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a common pattern of insecure programming practices that have persisted across many web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The revealed full paths can expose directory structures, file locations, and potentially sensitive system configurations that would otherwise remain hidden from external observers. Attackers can use this information to craft more targeted attacks, identify other potential vulnerabilities within the same system, or perform directory traversal attacks by understanding the underlying file structure. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications running on shared hosting environments or systems where path disclosure could reveal information about other applications or system components. The exposure of system paths can also aid in bypassing security controls or identifying specific software versions that may have known exploits.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation, error handling, and secure coding practices. The application should validate all user input parameters against expected formats and ranges before processing, ensuring that invalid parameters are handled gracefully without revealing system information. Error messages should be generic and not contain system-specific details that could aid attackers in understanding the underlying infrastructure. Implementing proper exception handling mechanisms and logging systems can help prevent error messages from being displayed to end users while still allowing administrators to monitor application issues. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input sanitization filters to prevent malformed requests from reaching vulnerable components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, which emphasizes the need for proper input validation and error handling to prevent information disclosure attacks. The remediation approach should include comprehensive code reviews, automated security testing, and the implementation of proper security controls to prevent similar issues from occurring in other application components.