CVE-2008-4207 in Dolphin
Summary
by MITRE
Attachmax Dolphin 2.1.0 and earlier does not properly protect info.php in the main folder, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request, which invokes the phpinfo function. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4207 affects Attachmax Dolphin versions 2.1.0 and earlier, representing a critical information disclosure weakness that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This flaw resides in the application's improper protection of the info.php file located in the main directory, which contains a phpinfo function call that reveals comprehensive server configuration data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and security misconfigurations within the application's file access management system, creating an exploitable condition where unauthorized users can directly request the info.php file without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within the Attachmax Dolphin web application framework. When a remote attacker accesses the info.php file directly through a web browser or automated tooling, the phpinfo function executes and outputs detailed server environment information including php configuration settings, loaded extensions, environment variables, and potentially sensitive system details. This information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with comprehensive knowledge of the server's configuration, software versions, and potential attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and demonstrates poor secure coding practices in access control implementation. The flaw operates at the application level and can be exploited through simple http GET requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond mere information disclosure, as the exposed phpinfo output can reveal critical system details that enable more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the disclosed information to identify vulnerable software versions, understand the server's operating environment, and potentially discover additional vulnerabilities within the system. The exposure of configuration parameters, loaded modules, and environment settings can facilitate targeted exploitation attempts and aid in crafting more effective attack vectors. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that do not properly implement least privilege access controls and fail to restrict access to diagnostic and configuration files. The impact is significant for organizations deploying Attachmax Dolphin, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by any remote user with knowledge of the application's file structure, potentially leading to further compromise of the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4207 should focus on implementing proper access controls and file protection mechanisms within the Attachmax Dolphin application. Organizations should immediately remove or rename the info.php file from the main directory to prevent unauthorized access, while also implementing proper authentication checks for any diagnostic or configuration files. The recommended approach includes applying the vendor-provided security patches or upgrading to a non-vulnerable version of the software, as well as implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct requests to sensitive files. Security configurations should enforce strict access controls using authentication mechanisms and proper file permissions to ensure that diagnostic files are only accessible to authorized personnel. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities within the application. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, including proper input validation and access control mechanisms, to prevent information disclosure attacks that can lead to more severe security incidents. The remediation process should also include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and implementing proper logging to track access to sensitive files, which aligns with security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks and standards.