CVE-2005-2436 in Website Baker
Summary
by MITRE
browse.php in Website Baker Project allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive data via (1) a directory that does not exist in the dir parameter or (2) a direct request to certain php files, which reveal the path in an error message.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2436 affects the Website Baker content management system and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths through error messages. This vulnerability exists in the browse.php script which is part of the core application functionality designed to handle file browsing operations. The issue manifests when the application processes directory requests without proper input validation or error handling mechanisms, creating opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive system information through crafted malicious requests.
The technical flaw stems from improper error handling within the browse.php component where the application fails to sanitize user-supplied directory parameters or validate file access permissions before attempting to process requests. When attackers provide non-existent directory paths through the dir parameter or directly request specific php files, the system generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute file system paths of the server installation. This occurs because the application does not implement proper exception handling or input validation that would prevent the disclosure of internal system paths during error conditions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture that violates secure coding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance information that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The leaked system paths can be used to map the server's file structure, identify installed applications, and potentially discover other vulnerable components within the same directory hierarchy. Attackers can exploit this information to craft more targeted attacks including directory traversal attempts, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or to identify other system files that may contain sensitive configuration data. The vulnerability also enables automated scanning tools to systematically map the application's file system structure, making it easier for threat actors to identify potential attack vectors and system weaknesses.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary remediation involves modifying the browse.php script to implement proper input validation and error handling that prevents the disclosure of system paths in error messages. This includes sanitizing all user-supplied parameters, implementing comprehensive error handling that does not reveal internal system information, and ensuring that file access operations are properly authenticated and authorized. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter patterns, as well as regular security code reviews that focus on error handling and input validation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) techniques, highlighting the reconnaissance and information gathering aspects of the attack. The mitigation approach should also include regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of information disclosure flaw is commonly found in legacy web applications that were not designed with modern security principles in mind.