CVE-2006-1680 in Jupiter CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Jupiter CMS 1.1.5, when display_errors is enabled, allows remote attackers to obtain the full server path via a direct request to modules/online.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1680 affects Jupiter CMS version 1.1.5 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that occurs when the PHP configuration parameter display_errors is enabled on the web server. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to extract the complete server file path through a direct HTTP request to the modules/online.php file within the CMS installation. The flaw stems from the application's improper error handling mechanisms that reveal sensitive system information when PHP errors are displayed to users. When display_errors is enabled, PHP will output detailed error messages including file paths, line numbers, and stack traces to the web browser, which in turn exposes the underlying server structure to unauthorized parties. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, which specifically addresses error messages containing sensitive information, and falls within the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities that can significantly impact system security posture. The exposure of full server paths provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in how Jupiter CMS handles error conditions within the modules/online.php script. When this specific file is accessed directly without proper authentication or input validation, the application fails to sanitize error outputs that would normally be suppressed in production environments. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal effort from an attacker to exploit, as it only requires a simple HTTP GET request to the vulnerable endpoint. The PHP configuration setting display_errors, when enabled in production environments, creates a dangerous situation where system paths become visible in error messages. This misconfiguration essentially provides attackers with a roadmap to the server's file system structure, potentially revealing directory layouts, file names, and even potential entry points for further exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in application error handling and configuration management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system intelligence that can be used for advanced exploitation techniques. Once an attacker obtains the full server path, they can map the application's directory structure and potentially identify other vulnerable components or files that may contain sensitive data. This information disclosure can enable attackers to craft more targeted attacks, including directory traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or even privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of information disclosure through improper error handling. From an attacker's perspective, having access to the complete server path significantly reduces the time and effort required to perform successful attacks against the system. The exposure of system paths can also aid in bypassing security controls, as attackers can now target specific files or directories that may contain sensitive configuration information or database connection details. This vulnerability essentially undermines the security boundary of the web application by providing unauthorized access to system-level information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-1680 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves disabling the display_errors PHP configuration parameter in production environments, ensuring that error messages are logged securely rather than displayed to end users. System administrators should implement proper error handling within the Jupiter CMS application to prevent direct exposure of system paths through error messages. Additionally, access controls should be implemented to restrict direct access to sensitive files like modules/online.php, requiring proper authentication and authorization checks before allowing any requests to proceed. Security hardening practices should include configuring PHP to log errors to secure files rather than displaying them on web pages, implementing proper input validation, and ensuring that all files within the CMS installation have appropriate file permissions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests targeting known vulnerable endpoints. The remediation process should include comprehensive security testing to ensure that no other similar vulnerabilities exist within the application, and regular security audits should be conducted to verify that proper security configurations remain in place. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and proper error handling in web application development, as outlined in various security frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards.