CVE-2008-6521 in OpenTerracotta
Summary
by MITRE
index.php in Terracotta (aka OpenTerracotta) 0.6.1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid File parameter, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6521 affects Terracotta, also known as OpenTerracotta version 0.6.1, presenting a significant information disclosure risk that can be exploited by remote attackers. This flaw exists within the index.php file and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms when processing File parameters. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker submits an invalid File parameter value, causing the application to generate an error message that inadvertently exposes the system's installation path. This type of information disclosure represents a fundamental security weakness that can provide attackers with critical system details necessary for further exploitation attempts.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and demonstrates how improper error handling can lead to sensitive data leakage. The flaw operates by bypassing normal parameter validation procedures, allowing malformed input to propagate through the application's processing pipeline. When the system encounters an invalid File parameter, it fails to properly sanitize or suppress error output, resulting in the revelation of the absolute file path where Terracotta is installed on the server. This path disclosure creates a substantial risk for attackers as it provides them with precise knowledge of the application's deployment structure, potentially exposing directory layouts and aiding in subsequent attack vectors.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of affected systems by providing attackers with installation path information that can be leveraged for privilege escalation, directory traversal attacks, or other advanced exploitation techniques. The disclosure of the installation path can enable attackers to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access to additional system resources or sensitive files within the application's directory structure. Security analysts should note that this vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share similar directory structures or where the disclosed path reveals information about the underlying operating system or server configuration.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through simple HTTP requests containing malformed File parameters, making it a particularly concerning issue for widespread deployment. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including proper input validation, error message sanitization, and the removal of sensitive path information from error responses. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1212 (Exploitation for Credential Access) as attackers can use the disclosed information to plan more sophisticated attacks. Recommended remediation strategies include implementing comprehensive input validation mechanisms, configuring proper error handling procedures, and ensuring that error messages do not contain system-specific information that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance activities.