CVE-2005-1510 in PwsPHP
Summary
by MITRE
PwsPHP 1.2.2 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to the admin directory, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1510 affects PwsPHP version 1.2.2, a web-based file manager application that provides administrative capabilities through a web interface. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly handle error conditions in its administrative components. The vulnerability specifically manifests when remote attackers can directly access the admin directory of the application, causing the system to generate error messages that inadvertently expose sensitive path information to unauthorized users.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves improper error handling within the PwsPHP application's administrative interface. When an attacker makes a direct request to the admin directory without proper authentication or authorization, the application does not implement adequate error suppression or sanitization measures. Instead, it returns detailed error messages that contain the absolute file path of the application installation on the server. This path disclosure occurs because the error handling code does not filter or obscure the internal filesystem structure that the application uses to locate its components. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses the improper handling of sensitive information disclosure in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The revealed file paths can be used to understand the application's directory structure, potentially enabling attackers to craft more targeted attacks against specific components or to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the same system. This information disclosure can also aid in bypassing certain security controls or identifying weak points in the application's architecture. The vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on discovering system information through reconnaissance activities that can be used to plan further attacks.
From a security perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations deploying PwsPHP without proper security hardening measures. The information disclosure occurs without any authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the web application. The exposed paths may reveal sensitive information about the server environment, including directory structures that could be used to understand how the application interacts with the underlying operating system. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader reconnaissance phase that could lead to privilege escalation or other more serious security breaches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper error handling and security configuration practices in web applications to prevent unintentional information disclosure that could compromise system security.