CVE-2008-6771 in YourPlace
Summary
by MITRE
YourPlace 1.0.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive system information via a direct request via a direct request to user/uploads/phpinfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6771 affects YourPlace version 1.0.2 and earlier, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability stems from the improper configuration of the web application's file structure, specifically the presence of a phpinfo.php file within the user/uploads directory that can be accessed directly without authentication. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and access control mechanisms, allowing unauthorized users to retrieve comprehensive system information through a simple HTTP request.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a direct request to user/uploads/phpinfo.php, which executes the phpinfo function in the php scripting environment. This function generates detailed information about the PHP configuration, including system environment variables, loaded modules, configuration settings, and potentially sensitive data about the underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser access or automated tools, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or complex attack vectors. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the application fails to properly validate access to sensitive files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the phpinfo output can reveal critical system details including database connection strings, file paths, server configuration parameters, and potential security misconfigurations. Attackers can leverage this information to plan more sophisticated attacks against the target system, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data breaches, or further exploitation of the application. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Disclosure) and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) as it enables adversaries to gather system information through direct file access. The exposure of such sensitive data significantly increases the attack surface and can provide attackers with valuable intelligence for subsequent phases of an attack.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate access control enforcement, including removing or securing the phpinfo.php file, implementing proper authentication mechanisms for file access, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all uploaded file directories. Organizations should establish secure file upload policies, implement proper input validation, and ensure that sensitive system information is not exposed through web-accessible directories. The fix involves configuring web server permissions to prevent direct access to sensitive files while maintaining proper application functionality. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations that could expose sensitive system information to unauthorized users.