CVE-2005-2897 in Web News
Summary
by MITRE
WEB//NEWS 1.4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to files in the actions directory, which reveal the path in an error message, as demonstrated using cat.add.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2897 affects WEB//NEWS version 1.4, a content management system that suffers from improper error handling mechanisms. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability where the application fails to properly sanitize error messages returned to users. When remote attackers make direct requests to files within the actions directory, particularly the cat.add.php file, the system reveals sensitive path information through error messages. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper error handling that leads to information disclosure. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and error message sanitization that could provide attackers with critical system information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through direct HTTP requests to specific files within the application's actions directory structure. When an attacker accesses cat.add.php or similar files without proper authentication or parameter validation, the system generates error messages that contain the full server path where the application resides. This path disclosure provides attackers with detailed information about the server environment including directory structures, file locations, and potentially operating system details. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to gain reconnaissance information without requiring authentication or advanced exploitation techniques. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access through information discovery and T1083 for file and directory discovery.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed path information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can use the disclosed paths to map the application's directory structure, identify potential entry points for further exploitation, and craft more targeted attacks against specific system components. The vulnerability essentially provides a map of the application's internal structure to any remote attacker who knows the specific file names to target. This information disclosure can facilitate subsequent attacks such as path traversal exploits, directory listing enumeration, or even privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the application's security posture and demonstrates poor defensive programming practices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on comprehensive error handling and input validation mechanisms. The primary solution involves implementing proper error message handling that does not reveal system paths or internal application details to end users. This includes configuring the web server and application to suppress detailed error messages in production environments, implementing custom error pages that do not expose system information, and ensuring all file access is properly authenticated and authorized. Organizations should also implement input validation to prevent direct file access attempts and consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts. The remediation approach should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and should include regular security testing to ensure that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other parts of the application. Additionally, proper logging mechanisms should be implemented to detect and alert on suspicious access attempts to sensitive directories.