CVE-2005-3763 in Exponent
Summary
by MITRE
Exponent CMS 0.96.3 and later versions includes the full installation path in the base parameter to thumb.php, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information. NOTE: this might be resultant from an absolute path traversal vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3763 affects Exponent CMS versions 0.96.3 and later, presenting a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from improper handling of file paths within the thumb.php script. This issue manifests when the application includes the complete installation path in the base parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to extract sensitive system information that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical flaw represents a form of path traversal vulnerability where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate input parameters before incorporating them into file system operations. Specifically, the thumb.php script accepts a base parameter that contains the full installation path, which is then exposed to remote users without adequate access controls or sanitization measures. This exposure occurs because the application does not implement proper input validation or path normalization techniques that would prevent attackers from accessing arbitrary file paths on the server.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts system security by providing attackers with detailed knowledge of the server's file structure and installation locations. The disclosed installation paths can reveal critical system information including directory layouts, potential file locations, and server configuration details that attackers can leverage for further reconnaissance. This information disclosure can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks such as local file inclusion vulnerabilities, directory traversal attacks, or privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or prior authentication to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as this vulnerability aligns with multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1592 (Gather Victim Host Information) within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The vulnerability also corresponds to CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-23 (Relative Path Traversal), demonstrating how improper path handling can create cascading security issues. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, path sanitization, and access control restrictions to prevent unauthorized path traversal. The recommended solution involves configuring the application to use relative paths instead of absolute paths, implementing proper parameter validation, and ensuring that file system operations do not expose internal path structures to external users.
This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices in web applications, particularly regarding file system operations and input handling. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details in path management can create significant security risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and code reviews. Organizations should prioritize updating affected systems and implementing proper access controls to prevent exploitation of this information disclosure vulnerability that could lead to more severe security incidents.