CVE-2005-0460 in MercuryBoard
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in MercuryBoard 1.0.x and 1.1.x allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by setting the debug parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0460 affects MercuryBoard versions 1.0.x and 1.1.x, specifically targeting the index.php script that handles debug parameter manipulation. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that enables remote attackers to access sensitive system information without authentication. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insufficient access controls within the application's debugging mechanism. When an attacker manipulates the debug parameter in the index.php script, the application inadvertently reveals internal system details that should remain confidential. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.001 for Data from Information Repositories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through parameter manipulation in the web application's URL structure. When the debug parameter is set to specific values, the MercuryBoard application outputs diagnostic information including file paths, database connection details, and potentially server configuration information. This information disclosure can provide attackers with critical insights into the application's architecture and underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before processing debug requests, allowing arbitrary parameter values to trigger unintended information output. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate privilege controls that should prevent unauthorized access to debugging features.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can significantly aid attackers in planning more sophisticated attacks against the affected system. The sensitive information exposed through this vulnerability may include database credentials, file system locations, and internal application logic that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Attackers can use the disclosed information to identify potential attack vectors, understand the application's security posture, and develop targeted attacks against other components of the system. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations running legacy MercuryBoard installations, as these versions are no longer supported and lack security updates. The exposure of internal system details can facilitate privilege escalation attempts, directory traversal attacks, and other advanced persistent threats that exploit the leaked information to compromise the entire application environment.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including disabling debug modes in production environments, implementing proper input validation for all user-supplied parameters, and restricting access to debugging features through authentication controls. The recommended approach involves removing or disabling the debug parameter functionality in production deployments and ensuring that all user inputs are properly sanitized before processing. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by blocking suspicious parameter manipulation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of legacy applications to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that all systems implement proper access controls and input validation measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to prevent information disclosure that could compromise entire system infrastructures.