CVE-2004-2664 in Adodb
Summary
by MITRE
John Lim ADOdb Library for PHP before 4.23 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via direct requests to certain scripts that result in an undefined value of ADODB_DIR, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2664 affects the John Lim ADOdb Library for PHP version 4.22 and earlier, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths through error messages. This vulnerability resides within the library's handling of the ADODB_DIR constant, which is crucial for proper script execution and path resolution. When attackers make direct requests to specific scripts within the library, they can trigger an undefined value for ADODB_DIR, causing the application to reveal the absolute installation path in error output messages. The flaw demonstrates poor error handling practices and inadequate input validation, allowing unauthorized parties to gain knowledge about the server's file system structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the library's failure to properly validate or sanitize the ADODB_DIR variable during script execution. When the library encounters a scenario where this directory variable remains undefined, it generates error messages that inadvertently disclose the full file path where the application is installed. This occurs because the error handling mechanism does not properly sanitize output before displaying it to users, creating a path disclosure condition that falls under the CWE-200 category for Information Exposure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance information that could facilitate subsequent attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly undermines the security posture of systems running affected versions of the ADOdb library. The disclosed installation paths can be leveraged by attackers to understand the server's directory structure, potentially revealing other sensitive files or directories that might be accessible through path traversal attacks. This information disclosure can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated exploitation techniques, including directory traversal, local file inclusion, or remote code execution vulnerabilities that may exist elsewhere in the application stack. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for File and Directory Discovery, as it provides adversaries with systematic access to file system information that can be used for further reconnaissance.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to ADOdb Library version 4.23 or later, where the library properly handles the ADODB_DIR variable and implements robust error handling that prevents path disclosure in error messages. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and error handling practices across their applications, ensuring that all error messages are sanitized before display to prevent information leakage. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls or security headers that can help prevent direct access to vulnerable scripts and limit the exposure of internal system information. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper error handling and input validation as fundamental security practices that prevent information disclosure attacks and maintain system integrity.