CVE-2007-3525 in Ripe Website Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Ripe Website Manager 0.8.9 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain configuration information via a direct request to includes/phpinfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3525 affects Ripe Website Manager version 0.8.9 and earlier, presenting a critical information disclosure risk that stems from an insecure direct object reference flaw. This weakness allows remote attackers to directly access sensitive configuration information by requesting the includes/phpinfo.php file, which executes the phpinfo function. The vulnerability represents a classic example of improper access control where sensitive system information becomes publicly accessible without authentication or authorization. The phpinfo function in php environments typically displays comprehensive details about the server configuration, including installed modules, configuration settings, environment variables, and potentially sensitive information about the underlying system architecture. This exposure creates a significant security risk as attackers can gather detailed information about the web server environment, PHP configuration, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category for Information Exposure and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 for Exploitation for Credential Access, as the disclosure of system information can aid in credential theft and further compromise efforts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with detailed insights into the target system that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. When phpinfo is executed without proper access controls, it reveals critical system parameters including database connection details, file paths, server configuration settings, and available PHP extensions. This information can be used to tailor subsequent attacks, identify potential attack vectors, and understand the system's security posture. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security design principles where sensitive system information is exposed through predictable file paths, making it an easy target for automated scanning tools and manual reconnaissance efforts. Attackers can use the gathered information to identify outdated components, misconfigured services, or other security weaknesses that may not be immediately apparent through standard network scanning techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate access control implementation and comprehensive security hardening measures. The primary remediation involves removing or restricting access to the includes/phpinfo.php file through proper authentication mechanisms, web server configuration, or file system permissions. Organizations should implement proper input validation and access control checks to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The fix should include ensuring that no debug or diagnostic scripts are accessible to unauthenticated users, as these files typically contain information that should remain confidential. Security hardening practices should include regular security audits to identify and remove unnecessary files, proper file permissions configuration, and implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar flaws in application logic and configuration management. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive system files and configuration information.