CVE-2005-3050 in PhpMyFaq
Summary
by MITRE
PhpMyFaq 1.5.1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a LANGCODE parameter that does not exist, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3050 affects PhpMyFaq version 1.5.1 and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths through improper error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling as defined by CWE-209, where the application reveals sensitive information through error messages that should remain hidden from unauthorized users. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes a LANGCODE parameter that does not exist within the system, causing the software to generate an error message containing the absolute file path of the installation directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates how the application fails to validate input parameters properly before processing them, leading to the exposure of critical system information. When an attacker supplies a non-existent LANGCODE parameter, the system's error handling routine inadvertently includes the physical path where PhpMyFaq is installed in the generated error message. 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 vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as it reveals system paths that could be used to map the application's directory structure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a dangerous exposure that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring any special privileges or authentication. The information disclosure occurs automatically when the application processes the malformed parameter, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through simple web requests. Attackers can use the revealed paths to understand the application's deployment structure, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities or planning more sophisticated attacks against the system. The exposure of absolute paths can also aid in bypassing certain security measures that rely on path obfuscation for protection.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with foundational knowledge for more advanced exploitation techniques. The disclosed paths can be used to construct targeted attacks against specific file locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or data breaches. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's error handling philosophy, where system information is exposed without proper sanitization. The vulnerability can be mitigated through proper input validation and error handling practices, ensuring that all error messages are sanitized and do not contain sensitive system information. Organizations should implement comprehensive error handling that does not reveal internal system paths or configurations, following security best practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations for preventing information disclosure vulnerabilities.