CVE-2007-5942 in Bandersnatch
Summary
by MITRE
Bandersnatch 0.4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a malformed request for index.php with (1) a certain func parameter value; or (2) certain func, jid, page, and limit parameter values; which reveals the path in various error messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5942 affects Bandersnatch version 0.4, a web application that handles various user requests through its index.php script. This issue represents a sensitive data exposure vulnerability that occurs when the application processes malformed HTTP requests containing specific parameter combinations. The flaw manifests when attackers submit crafted requests with particular values for the func parameter or combinations of func, jid, page, and limit parameters, causing the application to reveal directory paths in its error responses. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure, where unintended system information becomes accessible to unauthorized parties. The root cause stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's request processing logic, allowing attackers to probe the system's internal structure through carefully constructed malformed requests. Such information exposure creates significant security implications as it provides attackers with insights into the application's file system structure, potentially enabling more sophisticated attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor error handling practices where the application fails to sanitize user input before processing it through the index.php script. When specific parameter combinations are submitted, the system generates error messages that inadvertently include server path information, which should never be exposed to end users or attackers. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which describes improper error handling that reveals sensitive information about the system environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication or privileged access to exploit, making it an attractive target for reconnaissance activities. Attackers can systematically test various parameter combinations to map out the application's directory structure, potentially identifying sensitive files, configuration locations, or other system components that could be targeted in subsequent attacks. The error messages provide attackers with actionable intelligence that could be used to plan more targeted exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of the affected system. The exposure of directory paths can enable attackers to conduct path traversal attacks, identify file locations that should remain hidden, or discover system-specific configurations that may contain credentials or other sensitive data. This information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to escalate their privileges or access additional system resources that were not intended to be publicly accessible. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles by exposing internal system architecture details that should remain confidential. From an attacker's perspective, this information can be used to craft more effective attacks against other components of the system, as knowledge of file paths and directory structures is often essential for successful exploitation. The vulnerability's accessibility means that any user with network access to the application can potentially exploit it, making it a critical concern for systems handling sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5942 should focus on implementing robust input validation and error handling procedures within the Bandersnatch application. The primary remediation involves modifying the index.php script to sanitize all user inputs before processing them, ensuring that malformed requests do not trigger error messages containing system path information. Security configurations should be adjusted to suppress detailed error messages in production environments, replacing them with generic messages that do not reveal system internals. The application should implement proper exception handling that catches and logs errors internally without exposing sensitive information to end users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter combinations before they reach the vulnerable application code. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation issues within the application. Additionally, the system should be configured to use secure error handling practices that align with industry standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project. These measures collectively address the root causes of the vulnerability while providing defense-in-depth protection against similar issues that may exist within the application's codebase. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper error handling and input validation in preventing information disclosure attacks that can compromise system security and facilitate more advanced exploitation techniques.