CVE-2005-0326 in pafiledb
Summary
by MITRE
pafiledb.php in PaFileDB 3.1 allows remote attackers to gain sensitive information via an invalid or missing action parameter, which reveals the path in an error message when it cannot include a login.php script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0326 represents a classic information disclosure flaw within the PaFileDB 3.1 web application. This issue arises from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the pafiledb.php script which serves as the primary entry point for file database operations within this content management system. When an attacker submits a request with an invalid or missing action parameter, the application's error handling routine inadvertently exposes sensitive system path information through error messages. This occurs because the application attempts to include a login.php script but fails due to the malformed parameter, resulting in a PHP error that reveals the absolute path to the web root directory. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in error message generation where system-specific information is exposed to unauthorized users without proper sanitization. This type of information disclosure can provide attackers with crucial reconnaissance data needed for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through simple HTTP request manipulation where an attacker crafts a request to pafiledb.php with either a missing action parameter or an invalid action value. When the application processes this malformed request, it attempts to include the login.php script in a manner that fails, triggering a PHP error message. The error message contains the full server path where the application is installed, effectively leaking directory structure information to any remote user who can access the vulnerable script. This path disclosure creates a significant security risk as it provides attackers with knowledge of the server's file system layout, potentially revealing the web root directory, application installation paths, and other sensitive structural information. The vulnerability is classified as a path disclosure issue that can be categorized under CWE-209, which specifically addresses error messages containing sensitive information. This weakness allows attackers to gather intelligence about the target environment that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with foundational reconnaissance data that can enable more advanced exploitation techniques. The leaked path information can be used in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to craft more targeted attacks, such as local file inclusion or directory traversal exploits. Additionally, the exposure of system paths can aid attackers in understanding the server's configuration and potentially identifying other applications or services running on the same system. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and defense in depth by exposing internal system information to unauthorized parties. The flaw represents a failure in the application's security architecture where error handling does not adequately protect sensitive system information. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for further compromise, as the disclosed paths may reveal application logic or configuration details that could be leveraged in subsequent attack phases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and secure error handling practices within the PaFileDB application. The primary fix involves modifying the pafiledb.php script to validate action parameters before attempting any include operations, ensuring that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and checked against a predefined set of valid values. Implementing custom error handling routines that do not expose system paths or sensitive information is crucial, as this prevents the leakage of directory structures through error messages. The application should also implement proper logging mechanisms that capture invalid parameter attempts without revealing system information in error responses. Security patches should be applied to update the application to a version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as the original PaFileDB 3.1 release contains this flaw due to inadequate security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, which emphasizes the need for proper error handling and input validation to prevent information disclosure attacks. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities to gain insights into system architecture and configuration.