CVE-2005-1137 in Simple PHP Blog
Summary
by MITRE
Simple PHP Blog (sphpBlog) 0.4.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to sb_functions.php, which leaks the full pathname in a PHP error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1137 affects Simple PHP Blog version 0.4.0, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes critical system details to remote attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category, which specifically addresses information exposure through improper error handling and debugging information leakage. The issue manifests when an attacker makes a direct request to the sb_functions.php file, triggering a PHP error message that reveals the complete server pathname. This exposure of absolute file paths constitutes a significant security risk as it provides attackers with detailed knowledge of the server's directory structure and file locations, which can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the PHP application's codebase. When the sb_functions.php file is accessed directly without proper validation or authentication, the application fails to sanitize its error output, resulting in the exposure of the full server path in the error message. This occurs because the PHP interpreter generates standard error messages that include the complete file path when encountering issues such as missing files, syntax errors, or unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in input validation and error message generation, which violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can utilize the leaked pathname information to construct targeted attacks against specific files or directories, potentially leading to directory traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or privilege escalation attempts. The exposure of the server's absolute path provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that would otherwise require additional probing efforts to obtain. This information leakage aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which focuses on exploitation for credential access through the use of information from system components. The vulnerability represents a low-effort, high-impact attack vector that can significantly compromise the security posture of the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1137 should focus on implementing proper error handling and security configurations. Organizations should disable error display in production environments by setting the PHP configuration directive display_errors to Off, while ensuring that all applications implement proper input validation and authentication checks. The application should be configured to handle unauthorized access attempts gracefully without revealing system details in error messages. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and restricting direct access to PHP files through web server configuration can prevent unauthorized users from accessing vulnerable components. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, while maintaining updated security patches and following secure coding practices that align with industry standards such as those defined by the Open Web Application Security Project and the International Organization for Standardization's security frameworks.