CVE-2005-4149 in ListManager
Summary
by MITRE
Lyris ListManager 8.8 through 8.9b allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by causing errors in TML scripts, such as via direct requests, which leaks the installation path, SQL queries, or product code in diagnostic messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-4149 affects Lyris ListManager versions 8.8 through 8.9b and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive system information through error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the TML scripting environment within the ListManager application, where improper error handling leads to diagnostic messages containing installation paths, SQL queries, and product code exposure. The flaw operates by exploiting the application's response to malformed or direct requests that trigger internal error conditions, causing the system to reveal confidential information through error output mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error management within the TML script processing components of Lyris ListManager. When attackers send specially crafted requests directly to the application, the system fails to properly sanitize error responses, resulting in the exposure of sensitive diagnostic information. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which addresses information exposure through error messages, and represents a classic example of how insufficient error handling can lead to reconnaissance opportunities for attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in application error management where system internals are disclosed without proper access controls or sanitization of error outputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked installation paths, SQL queries, and product code provide attackers with significant reconnaissance data for subsequent exploitation attempts. The exposure of the installation path enables attackers to understand the system's directory structure and potentially identify other vulnerabilities through path-based attacks. SQL query exposure reveals database schema information and query patterns, which can be leveraged for SQL injection attacks or database enumeration. The disclosure of product code provides insights into the application's internal implementation, potentially revealing additional vulnerabilities or attack vectors that may not be immediately apparent from surface-level reconnaissance.
Organizations running affected versions of Lyris ListManager face substantial security risks from this vulnerability, as the information disclosure can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK tactics including reconnaissance and initial access, as the leaked information can be used to plan more targeted attacks. The exposure of system internals through error messages creates a pathway for attackers to bypass traditional security controls and develop more effective attack strategies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms and input validation within the TML script processing components. Organizations should ensure that error messages do not contain sensitive system information and that all diagnostic output is properly sanitized before being returned to clients. The recommended approach includes implementing generic error responses that do not reveal installation paths, database queries, or product code details. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened to limit direct access to potentially vulnerable endpoints, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar error handling vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests that may trigger error conditions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to security standards that emphasize proper error handling and information exposure prevention, particularly in enterprise applications where sensitive data handling is critical.