CVE-2006-0113 in Enhanced Simple PHP Gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Enhanced Simple PHP Gallery 1.7 allows remote attackers to obtain the full path of the application via a direct request to sp_helper_functions.php, which leaks the pathname in an error message.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0113 affects Enhanced Simple PHP Gallery version 1.7, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of path disclosure issues commonly found in web applications, where error messages inadvertently reveal directory structures and file paths that should remain hidden from external parties. The specific flaw occurs when a direct request is made to the sp_helper_functions.php file, which triggers an error condition that outputs the full system path to the application's installation directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the PHP application's codebase. When the sp_helper_functions.php file encounters an error condition during execution, it fails to properly sanitize or suppress error messages that contain system path information. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the disclosure of system-specific information in error messages, and represents a fundamental security misconfiguration that violates secure coding practices. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the application's file structure, which can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks including directory traversal exploits and further information gathering activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked path information can significantly aid attackers in planning subsequent exploitation attempts. Security researchers and red team members have documented that path disclosure vulnerabilities often serve as initial footholds for more serious attacks, as the revealed paths can be used to craft targeted attacks against specific file locations or to identify potential attack vectors within the application architecture. From an attacker's perspective, knowing the exact file paths allows for more precise exploitation of other vulnerabilities that may exist within the same application, particularly those that involve file inclusion or access control mechanisms. The vulnerability also violates principles outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of Credential Access - T1566, where adversaries gather information about the target environment to facilitate further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling and sanitization practices within the PHP application. Developers should ensure that all error messages are properly logged internally while displaying generic, non-informative messages to end users. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and information hiding, which are fundamental concepts in secure software development. The recommended solution involves modifying the application code to suppress detailed error messages that contain system paths, implementing custom error handlers that log errors internally without exposing sensitive information to the client. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing proper input validation and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to helper functions and sensitive files. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar path disclosure vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure error handling practices and highlights how seemingly minor coding oversights can create significant security risks that persist for years without detection.