CVE-2007-3002 in PHP JackKnife
Summary
by MITRE
PHP JackKnife (PHPJK) allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via (1) a request to index.php with an invalid value of the iParentUnq[] parameter, or a request to G_Display.php with an invalid (2) iCategoryUnq[] or (3) sSort[] array parameter, which reveals the path in various error messages.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3002 affects PHP JackKnife (PHPJK), a web application framework that suffers from improper error handling mechanisms. This flaw resides in the application's response to malformed input parameters, specifically within the index.php and G_Display.php scripts. When attackers submit requests containing invalid values for the iParentUnq[], iCategoryUnq[], or sSort[] array parameters, the system generates error messages that inadvertently disclose sensitive server path information to remote attackers. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, which can provide adversaries with valuable reconnaissance data for subsequent attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's lack of proper input validation and error handling procedures. When PHPJK encounters invalid array parameters, it fails to sanitize the input before processing and subsequently displays raw error messages containing the full server path to the application files. This behavior violates fundamental security principles by exposing internal system details through error responses. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates without requiring authentication or specific privileges, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can submit HTTP requests to the affected web application. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a classic case of insufficient logging and error handling that can be categorized under CWE-209, which addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message."
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical infrastructure details that can facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The disclosed paths may reveal the application's directory structure, including the root installation path, which can be leveraged for path traversal attacks or to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the application architecture. Attackers can use this information to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data breaches, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves "Exploitation for Credential Access" through the extraction of system information that can be used to bypass security controls. Furthermore, the exposure of server paths can enable attackers to perform directory traversal attacks or identify specific file locations that may contain sensitive configuration files or database connection strings.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and error handling mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters and implementing generic error messages that do not reveal system-specific information. Organizations should configure their web applications to suppress detailed error messages in production environments and instead log these errors internally for administrative review. The implementation of proper logging mechanisms ensures that security teams can monitor and investigate potential attacks without exposing sensitive system information to end users. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application or in related systems. The principle of least privilege should be applied to ensure that error messages contain only essential information for troubleshooting while maintaining system security. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks that can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.