CVE-2005-4026 in Geeklog
Summary
by MITRE
search.php in Geeklog 1.4.x before 1.4.0rc1, and 1.3.x before 1.3.11sr3, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via invalid (1) datestart and (2) dateend parameters, which leaks the web server path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2018
This vulnerability exists in Geeklog content management systems where the search.php script fails to properly validate date parameters, specifically datestart and dateend. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate these parameters with invalid date values, causing the application to generate error messages that inadvertently disclose the web server's file system path. This represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can provide attackers with critical system information for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects versions 1.4.x before 1.4.0rc1 and 1.3.x before 1.3.11sr3, indicating this was a known issue that required patching before the release of the subsequent stable versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the search functionality. When users submit malformed date parameters, the system does not properly sanitize or validate these inputs before processing them through the date parsing functions. Instead of gracefully handling invalid date formats or providing generic error messages, the application reveals the underlying file system structure through detailed error output. This type of information leakage can expose directory paths, file locations, and potentially other system configuration details that could aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the foundational knowledge necessary for directory traversal attacks, path traversal exploits, and other system reconnaissance activities. An attacker who discovers the web server path can potentially map the application's directory structure, identify sensitive files, and plan subsequent attacks targeting other components of the system. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal effort to exploit and can be automated through simple HTTP requests. The disclosure of server paths can also expose the application to directory traversal attacks where attackers might attempt to access files outside of the intended web root, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or system compromise.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. The application should validate all date parameters against expected formats and reject malformed inputs before they reach the date parsing functions. Error messages should be generic and not reveal system-specific information such as file paths or internal system details. Additionally, the system should implement proper logging of suspicious input attempts and consider implementing rate limiting to prevent automated exploitation attempts. Organizations should also ensure that all Geeklog installations are updated to the patched versions, as this vulnerability represents a known security flaw that was addressed in the subsequent releases. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1212, which focuses on exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and secure error handling practices.