CVE-2007-5774 in Flatnuke3
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in the File Manager module in Flatnuke 3 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid argumentname parameter in a disc op action, which reveals the path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5774 resides within the File Manager module of Flatnuke 3, specifically in the index.php script that handles file operations. This security flaw represents a classic case of improper error handling that exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes a disc operation with an invalid argumentname parameter, causing the system to generate an error message that inadvertently reveals the server's file system path structure.
This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message." The flaw demonstrates how inadequate input validation and error management can create security exposure points that provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data. The error message contains the absolute file path on the server, which serves as a critical piece of information for potential attackers planning further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the exact directory structure of the affected system. This path information can be leveraged to understand the application's deployment environment and potentially identify other vulnerabilities through path traversal attacks or to craft more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require local access or authentication to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web applications.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Information Gathering phase, specifically targeting the collection of system information. The flaw enables adversaries to map the target system's file structure without requiring any special privileges or credentials, providing them with essential reconnaissance data for subsequent attacks. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture that could serve as a stepping stone for more complex exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5774 should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the File Manager module. The application should sanitize all user inputs and implement generic error messages that do not reveal system-specific information. Additionally, the system should employ proper access controls and logging mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application, as this type of error handling flaw is commonly found in legacy web applications and can significantly compromise system security when left unaddressed.