CVE-2005-2325 in Clever Copy
Summary
by MITRE
Clever Copy 2.0 and 2.0a allows remote attackers to obtain the full path of the web root via a direct request to (1) ticker.php, (2) menu.php, (3) banned.php, (4) endlayout.php, (5) randomhlinesblock.php, (6) showlast.php, (7) showlast5class1.php, (8) showlast5phorum.php, (9) showlast5phorumblock.php, (10) showlastforumbb2.php, or (11) showlastforumbb2block.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
This vulnerability exists in Clever Copy versions 2.0 and 2.0a, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes the full web root path to remote attackers. The vulnerability manifests through direct requests to multiple PHP script files within the application's codebase, specifically targeting eleven distinct files including ticker.php, menu.php, and various showlast* scripts. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's file processing logic, allowing unauthorized users to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive path information from the server's file system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture. The exposed paths can reveal critical system information including the complete directory structure and file locations, providing attackers with valuable reconnaissance data for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires only basic HTTP requests to the identified PHP files, making it particularly dangerous as it can be easily automated and does not require specialized tools or deep technical knowledge. Attackers can leverage this information to map the application's file structure, identify potential weaknesses in directory permissions, and plan more sophisticated attacks against the system. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in error handling and input sanitization, as the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user requests before processing them. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to gather intelligence about the server environment, potentially enabling them to identify other vulnerabilities or exploit paths that may exist within the system's configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of systems running vulnerable versions of Clever Copy. The exposed path information can be used in conjunction with other attacks to compromise the entire application environment, as attackers can now target specific files or directories with greater precision. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation), as it provides the reconnaissance necessary for attackers to escalate their privileges or move laterally within the system. The disclosure of web root paths can also facilitate attacks against other applications or services that may be hosted on the same server, as the exposed information can reveal shared directories or common file structures.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper error handling, and access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized path disclosure. The recommended approach involves modifying the affected PHP scripts to validate incoming requests and sanitize user inputs before processing, ensuring that only legitimate requests are processed. Additionally, implementing proper error handling that does not expose internal system paths or file structures can significantly reduce the attack surface. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests to the identified vulnerable files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and regular security audits to prevent such information disclosure issues, particularly in web applications that handle user inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar issues within their application codebase and ensure that all software components are regularly updated to address known security vulnerabilities.