CVE-2005-1697 in PostNuke
Summary
by MITRE
The RSS module in PostNuke 0.750 and 0.760RC2 and RC3 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to simple_smarty.php, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1697 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the RSS module of PostNuke content management systems version 0.750 and 0.760RC2 and RC3. This security weakness allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information through a straightforward exploitation technique targeting the simple_smarty.php script. The vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms that fail to sanitize error messages before displaying them to users, thereby exposing critical system paths and potentially sensitive configuration details.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a direct request to the simple_smarty.php file within the RSS module. During this process, the application generates an error message that inadvertently includes the full server path where the vulnerable script resides. This path disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with detailed information about the server's file structure, which can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor input validation and error handling practices that violate fundamental security principles.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risks for organizations running affected PostNuke installations. The exposed server paths can be used by attackers to map the application's file structure, identify potential weak points in the system architecture, and plan more sophisticated attacks. The information disclosure can also aid in bypassing security controls and identifying specific versions of underlying software components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a classic example of how improper error handling can compromise system security. The attack vector requires minimal technical skill and can be executed remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous.
The exploitation of this vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1083, which involves discovering system information through directory listing and path traversal methods. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader reconnaissance phase where attackers gather intelligence about target systems. Organizations using affected PostNuke versions should implement immediate mitigations including proper error handling configuration, disabling unnecessary error messages in production environments, and applying security patches as soon as they become available. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices that prevent information leakage through error messages and maintain proper separation between development and production environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive error handling procedures that sanitize all error messages before display, ensuring that system paths and internal configuration details remain hidden from end users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious requests to potentially vulnerable scripts. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar error handling vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of PostNuke and establishing security policies that govern error message generation and display in web applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining secure configuration practices and the potential consequences of inadequate error handling in web applications.