CVE-2006-4907 in Osu Httpd
Summary
by MITRE
OSU 3.11alpha and 3.10a allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a URL to a non-existent file, which displays the web root path in the resulting error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2017
This vulnerability exists in OSU versions 3.11alpha and 3.10a where improper error handling mechanisms allow remote attackers to extract sensitive system information through crafted URL requests. The flaw manifests when users attempt to access non-existent files within the web application, resulting in error messages that inadvertently reveal the web root path of the affected system. This type of information disclosure vulnerability represents a classic security misconfiguration issue that can significantly aid attackers in planning subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to sanitize error messages before displaying them to end users. When a request is made for a non-existent file, the system generates an error response that includes the full file path where the web application is installed. This occurs because the error handling routine does not properly filter or escape the path information before presenting it in the HTTP response. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-209, which describes "Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, "Exploitation for Credential Access," as the disclosed path information can be used to understand the system's file structure and potentially identify other vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The web root path disclosure enables attackers to understand the application's directory structure, which may reveal the presence of sensitive files, backup directories, or configuration files that could contain additional credentials or system information. This vulnerability can be exploited by any remote user without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications. The disclosed information can be used to map the target system's layout, identify potential attack vectors, and plan more targeted exploitation strategies.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper error handling procedures that prevent sensitive information from being exposed in error messages. Organizations should configure their web applications to return generic error messages that do not contain system paths or internal implementation details. This includes implementing custom error pages that mask the underlying system information while still providing users with helpful feedback about request failures. The implementation should follow security best practices outlined in OWASP's error handling guidelines and ensure that all error responses are properly sanitized before transmission. Additionally, regular security testing should be conducted to verify that no sensitive information is inadvertently exposed through error conditions, and application logs should be monitored for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.