CVE-2006-1635 in LucidCMS
Summary
by MITRE
LucidCMS 2.0.0 RC4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to /lucid_phplib/translator.php, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1635 affects LucidCMS version 2.0.0 RC4 and represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths through improper error handling. This issue arises from the application's failure to sanitize error messages returned by the translator.php component, which operates within the lucid_phplib directory structure. The vulnerability stems from the application's lack of proper input validation and error handling mechanisms, allowing remote attackers to directly access the translator.php script and receive detailed error responses containing absolute file paths on the server. Such path disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation. The flaw exists in the application's defensive programming practices and demonstrates poor security hygiene in error message generation. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses the improper handling of sensitive information in error messages, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information through error responses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker makes a direct HTTP request to the /lucid_phplib/translator.php endpoint without proper authentication or validation. The application fails to implement proper error handling that would mask sensitive path information in error messages, instead returning complete system paths that reveal the underlying file structure. This path exposure occurs because the application does not employ secure error handling practices that would prevent sensitive information from being leaked to unauthorized users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the web application. The error messages contain absolute paths that can include server root directories, application-specific paths, and potentially other system configuration details that could aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be used in subsequent exploitation phases. When an attacker gains access to the absolute file paths through error messages, they can map the application's directory structure and potentially identify other vulnerable components or misconfigurations within the system. This information can be particularly valuable for attackers attempting to perform directory traversal attacks, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or other path-based exploits. The vulnerability also impacts the application's security posture by reducing the attack surface and providing attackers with intelligence that would otherwise require more time-consuming reconnaissance efforts. Organizations running affected versions of LucidCMS face increased risk of successful exploitation, as the disclosed information can be immediately used to plan more targeted attacks against the system. The vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a lack of defense in depth measures that should protect sensitive system information from unauthorized disclosure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling practices and removing sensitive information from error responses. Organizations should ensure that all error messages are sanitized and do not contain absolute file paths or system configuration details that could aid attackers. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to return generic error messages to users while logging detailed error information internally for administrative purposes. Security patches should be applied immediately to update to a version of LucidCMS that addresses this vulnerability through improved error handling mechanisms. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and authentication controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive application components. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block direct requests to vulnerable endpoints, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar path disclosure issues in other components. The mitigation approach should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing information disclosure vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper logging and monitoring of error conditions can help detect exploitation attempts and provide forensic evidence for incident response activities.