CVE-2005-1635 in JGS-Portal
Summary
by MITRE
JGS-XA JGS-Portal 3.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the full server path via direct requests to (1) jgs_portal_ref.php, (2) jgs_portal_land.php, (3) jgs_portal_log.php, (4) jgs_portal_global_sponsor.php, (5) jgs_portal_global.php, (6) jgs_portal_system.php, (7) jgs_portal_views.php; or multiple files in the jgs_portal_include directory, including (8) jgs_portal_boardmenue.php, (9) jgs_portal_forenliste.php, (10) jgs_portal_geburtstag.php, (11) jgs_portal_guckloch.php, (12) jgs_portal_kalender.php, (13) jgs_portal_letztethemen.php, (14) jgs_portal_links.php, (15) jgs_portal_neustemember.php, (16) jgs_portal_newsboard.php, (17) jgs_portal_online.php, (18) jgs_portal_pn.php, (19) jgs_portal_portalmenue.php, (20) jgs_portal_styles.php, (21) jgs_portal_suchen.php, (22) jgs_portal_team.php, (23) jgs_portal_topforen.php, (24) jgs_portal_topposter.php, (25) jgs_portal_umfrage.php, (26) jgs_portal_useravatar.php, (27) jgs_portal_waronline.php, (28) jgs_portal_woonline.php, or (29) jgs_portal_zufallsavatar.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2018
This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in JGS-XA JGS-Portal versions 3.0.2 and earlier, where remote attackers can obtain sensitive server path information through direct access to multiple portal scripts. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's file access controls. When attackers make direct requests to the specified php files, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the incoming requests, leading to the exposure of the complete server file path in error messages or response data. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to the disclosure of sensitive system information that could be leveraged by attackers to plan more sophisticated attacks against the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web application's failure to enforce proper access controls on critical script files. These files are designed to be included or called by other scripts within the application's architecture, but the lack of proper validation allows direct access to their functionality. When accessed directly, these scripts may generate error messages or return data that includes the full server path where the application is installed. This exposure occurs because the application does not implement proper authentication checks or access control mechanisms before executing the code in these files. The vulnerability affects both main portal scripts and include files, indicating a systemic issue in how the application handles file access permissions and request validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with crucial information about the server's file structure and installation paths. This information can be used to facilitate further attacks such as path traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or to craft more targeted attacks against the specific server environment. Attackers can use the exposed paths to understand the application's directory structure, potentially identifying other sensitive files or directories that might be accessible through similar vulnerabilities. The exposure of server paths also aids in bypassing certain security controls and can help attackers determine the operating system and server configuration, which are valuable intelligence for planning subsequent attack phases.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), as it provides attackers with information that can be used to discover system files and potentially execute malicious commands. The vulnerability represents a classic example of poor input validation and insufficient access control, which are fundamental security principles that should be enforced at multiple layers of application architecture. Organizations should implement proper access controls, validate all incoming requests, and ensure that sensitive system information is not exposed through error messages or direct file access. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper authentication checks, using a centralized access control mechanism, and ensuring that all script files are properly protected against direct access while maintaining the intended functionality through proper include mechanisms.
The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly simple security flaws can have cascading effects on overall system security, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive security testing and proper code review practices. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities and ensure that all web applications properly implement security controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information. This particular vulnerability highlights the need for robust input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those that handle user requests and file operations. The exposure of server paths through direct script access represents a fundamental architectural weakness that could be exploited to gain deeper insights into the application's security posture and potentially lead to more severe compromise scenarios.