CVE-2005-0607 in CubeCart
Summary
by MITRE
CubeCart 2.0.0 through 2.0.5 allows remote attackers to determine the full path of the server via direct calls without parameters to (1) information.php, (2) language.php, (3) list_docs.php, (4) popular_prod.php, (5) sale.php, (6) subfooter.inc.php, (7) subheader.inc.php, (8) cat_navi.php, or (9) check_sum.php, which reveals the path in a PHP error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2019
This vulnerability exists in CubeCart e-commerce software versions 2.0.0 through 2.0.5 where direct access to specific PHP files without required parameters triggers PHP error messages containing the full server path. The affected files include information.php, language.php, list_docs.php, popular_prod.php, sale.php, subfooter.inc.php, subheader.inc.php, cat_navi.php, and check_sum.php. When these files are accessed directly without proper parameter validation, the PHP interpreter generates error messages that expose the complete file system path where the application resides. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages. The flaw represents a classic path traversal and information disclosure issue that provides attackers with critical system information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it reveals the exact directory structure of the web server, which can aid attackers in crafting more sophisticated attacks against the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploiting weaknesses in application input validation to obtain sensitive information. The exposure of server paths can reveal directory structures, file locations, and potentially sensitive configuration details that attackers can use to plan further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with the precise server path information necessary for advanced attack vectors. When attackers gain access to the full server path through PHP error messages, they can use this information to understand the application's directory structure and potentially identify other vulnerable files or directories. This type of information exposure creates opportunities for attackers to perform more targeted attacks, including directory traversal attempts, file inclusion vulnerabilities, or other path-based exploits. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the e-commerce platform by exposing internal system information that should remain hidden from external users. The error messages typically contain stack traces and path information that can be used to map the application's file structure, potentially revealing configuration files, database connection details, or other sensitive components. This exposure undermines the security posture of the web application and violates the principle of least privilege by revealing system internals that should remain confidential. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in production environments where server paths may contain sensitive information about the hosting environment or application architecture.
The recommended mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper parameter validation and input sanitization across all PHP files in the CubeCart application. Organizations should modify the affected files to check for required parameters before processing requests, ensuring that the application gracefully handles missing or invalid parameters rather than generating error messages. The implementation of custom error handling routines that suppress sensitive path information in error messages provides a more secure approach than allowing default PHP error reporting to display server paths. Security patches should be applied to upgrade to CubeCart versions that address this vulnerability, as newer versions typically include proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and file permissions can prevent direct access to PHP include files that should only be accessed through the main application interface. The solution should incorporate input validation that checks for the presence of required parameters and returns appropriate HTTP status codes rather than generating error messages. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block attempts to access these vulnerable files directly. Regular security auditing of web applications should include checks for similar information disclosure vulnerabilities that expose server paths or other sensitive system information. The mitigation approach should follow security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for preventing information disclosure vulnerabilities in web applications.