CVE-2005-2887 in MD-Pro
Summary
by MITRE
MAXdev MD-Pro 1.0.73, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to (1) wiki.php, (2) AutoTheme directory, (3) Blocks directory, (4) admin.php, (5) pnadmin.php, or (6) Topics directory, which reveal the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2887 affects MAXdev MD-Pro version 1.0.73 and potentially earlier releases, presenting a significant information disclosure risk that can be exploited remotely by attackers. This flaw manifests through direct requests to several key application components including wiki.php, AutoTheme directory, Blocks directory, admin.php, pnadmin.php, and Topics directory, all of which can reveal sensitive server path information within error messages. The vulnerability represents a classic case of improper error handling that exposes system internals to unauthorized parties. From a cybersecurity perspective, this issue directly relates to CWE-209, which describes improper error handling that can lead to information disclosure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which covers exploitation for credential access through information gathering. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the application's file structure and server paths, which can be leveraged for subsequent attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize or handle error conditions when processing requests to these specific components. When an attacker makes a direct request to any of the affected files or directories, the application generates an error message that inadvertently includes the full server path where the application is installed. This occurs because the system does not implement proper error handling mechanisms that would mask or obfuscate file system information. The exposed paths can reveal critical information about the server environment including the root directory structure, application installation paths, and potentially even the operating system being used. Such information disclosure can significantly aid attackers in planning more sophisticated attacks, as they now possess knowledge that would normally be hidden from external parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more serious security breaches. Attackers who obtain these path disclosures can use the information to construct targeted attacks against specific file locations, potentially leading to directory traversal exploits, arbitrary code execution, or privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability affects the application's overall security posture by reducing the attack surface complexity for threat actors who can now bypass certain reconnaissance phases that would normally be required to understand the target environment. This particular flaw can be exploited with minimal technical skill, making it attractive to both automated scanning tools and less sophisticated attackers who can leverage the disclosed information to identify potential entry points. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to discover this sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling and input validation across all application components. The most effective approach involves configuring the application to suppress detailed error messages that contain system path information, instead displaying generic error pages to users. Security measures should include implementing custom error handlers that mask file system details and ensure that all error responses are sanitized before being returned to clients. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct requests to sensitive directories and files. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar improper error handling issues throughout the application codebase. The remediation process should include code reviews focused on error handling patterns, ensuring that all file operations and directory access checks properly validate inputs and do not expose internal system paths. System administrators should also implement logging mechanisms to monitor for unusual direct access patterns to these components, which could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for application security.