CVE-2008-3400 in XRMS
Summary
by MITRE
XRMS CRM 1.99.2 allows remote attackers to obtain configuration information via a direct request to tests/info.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3400 affects XRMS CRM version 1.99.2 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system configuration data to remote attackers. This vulnerability stems from the improper exposure of the tests/info.php file within the application's directory structure, which directly invokes the phpinfo function without any authentication or access control measures. The phpinfo function in php is designed to display extensive information about the php configuration, including server details, loaded extensions, environment variables, and potentially sensitive configuration parameters that could aid attackers in understanding the underlying system architecture and identifying potential attack vectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which catalogs information exposure flaws, and represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference where an attacker can directly access files that should remain protected. The flaw operates through a simple but effective attack pattern where remote adversaries can append the path tests/info.php to the target application's URL, resulting in the immediate disclosure of php configuration information. This includes details such as php version, enabled modules, system paths, and potentially sensitive server configuration data that could reveal the operating system, installed software versions, and network configuration details.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond mere information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the security posture of the affected system by providing attackers with crucial reconnaissance data. The disclosed information can be leveraged to plan more sophisticated attacks, identify version-specific vulnerabilities, and understand the server environment to tailor subsequent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized access to system configuration information that should remain protected within a secure application environment. The exposure of php configuration details could reveal database connection strings, file paths, and other sensitive parameters that might be used in privilege escalation or lateral movement attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper access control implementation and code review practices. Organizations should ensure that test files and diagnostic scripts are not accessible from production environments, implementing proper authentication mechanisms for any configuration or diagnostic endpoints. The recommended approach includes removing or securing access to the tests/info.php file through proper file permissions, web server configuration, or application-level access controls. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar exposure issues. The remediation process should involve implementing the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access diagnostic and configuration interfaces, and establishing proper input validation and access control measures. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to sensitive application components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure configuration management and the need for regular security audits to identify and address information disclosure risks that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality.