CVE-2007-3059 in SendCard
Summary
by MITRE
SendCard 3.3.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid sc_language parameter to sendcard.php, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3059 affects SendCard version 3.3.0, a web-based application designed for sending electronic postcards. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user input parameters. The issue specifically manifests when an attacker submits an invalid sc_language parameter to the sendcard.php script, which triggers an error message containing sensitive system path information. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and input validation failures that can expose critical system details to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental security flaw in the application's request processing logic. When the sc_language parameter is not properly validated or sanitized, the application processes it without adequate security controls, leading to the exposure of the server's file system path structure. This occurs because the error handling mechanism in sendcard.php does not properly sanitize or filter the input before displaying error messages to users. The vulnerability is classified as a path traversal or information disclosure issue where the application reveals its internal file system structure through error responses. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-200, which describes information exposure through error messages, and CWE-128, which addresses improper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked path information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the exposed system paths to understand the application's directory structure, potentially identifying other vulnerable components or files that might be accessible through the same application. This information disclosure creates opportunities for directory traversal attacks, file inclusion vulnerabilities, or other exploitation techniques that rely on knowledge of the underlying system architecture. The vulnerability enables attackers to map the application's file system, which can lead to further compromise of the system through exploitation of other weaknesses. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, specifically the technique of credential access through reconnaissance.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3059 should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the SendCard application. The primary remediation involves sanitizing all user input parameters, particularly those used in dynamic path construction or parameter processing. The application should validate the sc_language parameter against a strict whitelist of acceptable values rather than accepting arbitrary input. Additionally, error messages should be generic and not contain system-specific information such as file paths or internal system details. Implementing proper logging and monitoring of suspicious input patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing a centralized error handling system that prevents sensitive information from being exposed through error responses. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in error handling, ensuring that error messages provide minimal information to prevent attackers from gaining system intelligence. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation and error handling should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future versions of the application.