CVE-2008-6159 in CMME
Summary
by MITRE
Content Management Made Easy (CMME) 1.19 allows remote attackers to obtain system information via a direct request to info.php, which invokes the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2018
Content Management Made Easy version 1.19 contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes system details to remote attackers through an insecure direct object reference. This vulnerability exists in the info.php script which directly invokes the phpinfo function without any authentication or access control measures. The flaw represents a classic security misconfiguration where sensitive server information becomes publicly accessible, potentially revealing critical system details including php configuration settings, loaded extensions, environment variables, and server software versions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and specifically demonstrates how improper access control can lead to unauthorized information disclosure. The attack vector is straightforward as remote attackers only need to access the info.php endpoint directly, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability given its simplicity and the sensitive nature of the information exposed. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they gain comprehensive knowledge about the target system's php environment, which can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts including identifying potential attack surfaces, discovering vulnerable php extensions, and understanding the server configuration that could aid in privilege escalation or other advanced attacks. The operational impact extends beyond immediate information disclosure as this vulnerability can serve as a reconnaissance tool for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks against the system. The exposure of phpinfo output provides attackers with detailed insights into the server's configuration including database connection parameters, file paths, and potential security misconfigurations. This information can significantly reduce the time and effort required for subsequent attack phases, as attackers can tailor their exploitation techniques based on the specific php version, loaded modules, and system configuration details revealed by the phpinfo output. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, particularly the A03:2021 - Injection and A06:2021 - Vulnerable and Outdated Components categories, as it exposes system information that could be used to exploit other vulnerabilities. Organizations should immediately implement access controls to prevent unauthorized access to phpinfo and similar diagnostic scripts, while also conducting comprehensive audits of all publicly accessible scripts that may expose system information. The remediation approach should include removing or securing access to info.php, implementing proper authentication mechanisms for diagnostic functions, and establishing monitoring for unusual access patterns to potentially sensitive endpoints. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign diagnostic features can become significant security risks when not properly secured, highlighting the importance of applying the principle of least privilege to all system components, including those designed for administrative purposes. The incident underscores the critical need for security awareness training and proper code review processes to identify and remediate similar exposure vulnerabilities in web applications.