CVE-2005-0655 in auraCMS
Summary
by MITRE
auraCMS 1.5 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an HTTP request with an invalid id parameter to (1) teman.php, (2) hal.php, or (3) arsip.php, which reveals the path in a PHP error message.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0655 represents a classic information disclosure flaw in the auraCMS 1.5 content management system that exposes sensitive system information through improper error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects three key PHP scripts within the application: teman.php, hal.php, and arsip.php, which are likely used for managing contacts, pages, and archives respectively. The flaw occurs when an attacker crafts an HTTP request with an invalid id parameter, triggering PHP error messages that inadvertently reveal the server's file system paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling practices within the CMS codebase. When the application processes an invalid id parameter, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before passing it to PHP functions that may generate error messages. These error messages contain the full server path where the application is installed, providing attackers with critical information about the system's directory structure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of error messages containing sensitive information, and represents a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed path information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the disclosed paths to understand the application's directory structure, potentially identifying other files that may contain sensitive data or configuration information. This information disclosure can be particularly damaging when combined with other vulnerabilities, as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the system's layout. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through enumeration techniques, and T1566, which addresses the use of information from system reconnaissance for subsequent exploitation phases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms throughout the application. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly parameters that are used to construct file paths or database queries. Applications should implement custom error handling routines that prevent sensitive path information from being exposed to end users, instead logging such errors internally and displaying generic error messages to users. Additionally, the CMS should be updated to a more recent version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as auraCMS 1.5 appears to be an outdated version with known security weaknesses. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and directory access controls to limit the exposure of sensitive system information even if such vulnerabilities are present. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in preventing information disclosure attacks that can significantly compromise system security.