CVE-2005-3586 in Mambo
Summary
by MITRE
content.php in Mambo 4.5.2 through 4.5.2.3 allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path of the application via a URL that causes the application to return an error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3586 affects Mambo content management systems version 4.5.2 through 4.5.2.3, representing a significant information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive installation path details to remote attackers. This vulnerability resides within the content.php script which serves as a core component of the Mambo application architecture. The flaw manifests when specific URLs are crafted to trigger error responses from the application, causing the system to inadvertently reveal its physical installation path in error messages. Such information disclosure represents a critical security risk as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server filesystem structure and application deployment location.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability operates through improper error handling within the Mambo application's content management routines. When maliciously constructed URLs are processed by content.php, the application fails to sanitize error responses properly, resulting in the exposure of absolute file paths through error messages. This occurs because the application does not implement adequate input validation or error message sanitization procedures that would prevent the leakage of system-specific information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a classic case of insufficient logging and error handling practices. Attackers can leverage this information to plan subsequent attacks by understanding the application's directory structure, potential file locations, and system configuration details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a foundation for more sophisticated attacks that can exploit the exposed path information. Remote attackers can use the disclosed installation paths to conduct directory traversal attacks, identify sensitive files, or map the application's filesystem structure to locate potential security weaknesses. This vulnerability directly enables reconnaissance activities that would otherwise require additional reconnaissance phases, as the attacker gains immediate access to critical system layout information. The exposure of installation paths can facilitate attacks such as local file inclusion vulnerabilities, privilege escalation attempts, or targeted exploitation of other application components that may be located relative to the disclosed paths. This vulnerability also supports the tactics described in the attack pattern taxonomy under attack technique T1083, which involves discovering system information through reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3586 focus on implementing proper error handling and input validation mechanisms within the Mambo application. System administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Mambo 4.5.2.4 or later, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through improved error message handling. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive error handling that prevents sensitive system information from being exposed in error responses, including the removal of absolute file paths from error messages and the implementation of generic error pages that do not reveal internal system details. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to detect and block malicious URL patterns that attempt to trigger these error conditions. Security configurations should also include regular monitoring of application logs for suspicious error patterns and implementation of proper logging procedures that do not expose system paths in audit trails. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly those related to information leakage and proper error handling procedures that prevent attackers from gaining system intelligence through application responses.