CVE-2005-4405 in Red Queen
Summary
by MITRE
redqueen.cgi in Red Queen 1.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain the full server path via invalid (1) yellowpage_id, (2) skin_id, (3) supplier_id, and (4) module parameters, which leaks the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4405 affects Red Queen 1.02 and earlier versions, specifically targeting the redqueen.cgi script which serves as a critical component in the application's functionality. This issue represents a classic path disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the web application fails to properly validate user input parameters before processing them. The vulnerability manifests through four distinct parameter names: yellowpage_id, skin_id, supplier_id, and module, all of which when provided with invalid values trigger error messages containing sensitive server path information. The flaw directly violates security principles by exposing the underlying file system structure to remote attackers without proper input sanitization or error handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malformed input values to any of the four vulnerable parameters. When the application processes these invalid inputs, it generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete server path where the application is installed. This type of information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with detailed knowledge of the server's file system hierarchy, which can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-200, which catalogs information exposure issues, and demonstrates how improper error handling can lead to sensitive data leakage. The error messages contain full path information that could include directory structures, file names, and potentially even user-specific paths that would be valuable to attackers planning more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of the affected system. Attackers can use the leaked path information to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to directory traversal exploits, arbitrary file access, or other path-based vulnerabilities. The exposure of server paths can also aid in reconnaissance activities, allowing threat actors to map the application's architecture and identify potential attack vectors. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving reconnaissance and credential access, as the leaked information can be used to bypass security controls that rely on obscurity. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by exposing system internals that should remain hidden from external parties, potentially enabling attackers to bypass security controls that depend on the principle of least disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling procedures throughout the application. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user input parameters before processing them, ensuring that invalid values do not trigger error messages containing system path information. Organizations should implement generic error messages that do not disclose internal system details, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and similar industry standards. Additionally, the application should be updated to a version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches or newer versions that properly handle invalid input parameters. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter values, and regular security assessments should include testing for similar path disclosure vulnerabilities across all web applications in the environment.