CVE-2009-1949 in NewsBoard
Summary
by MITRE
import_wbb1.php in Unclassified NewsBoard (UNB) 1.6.4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1949 affects Unclassified NewsBoard version 164 and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes critical system details to remote attackers. This issue specifically resides within the import_wbb1php file, which processes data imports from other bulletin board systems. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker sends a direct request to this import script without proper authentication or validation, causing the application to generate an error message that inadvertently reveals the server installation path. Such information disclosure vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous as they provide attackers with precise knowledge of the target system's file structure and deployment environment.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure vulnerabilities where sensitive data is unintentionally disclosed to unauthorized actors. The vulnerability operates through a lack of proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the import_wbb1php script. When the script encounters an unexpected condition during the import process, it fails to sanitize error messages before displaying them to the user, resulting in the exposure of the complete server path. This type of vulnerability typically stems from poor error management practices and insufficient security controls in web applications, particularly those built without comprehensive security hardening measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the installation path enables attackers to craft targeted attacks that exploit other vulnerabilities present in the system, such as directory traversal or local file inclusion flaws. The exposed path information can also be used to map the application's directory structure, potentially revealing the presence of other sensitive files or directories that might not otherwise be accessible. This vulnerability can be exploited by any remote attacker without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of mitigation to address this vulnerability effectively. The primary remediation involves proper error handling that prevents sensitive system information from being exposed in error messages to end users. This includes implementing custom error pages that do not reveal installation paths or system details. Additionally, access controls should be enforced to restrict direct access to import scripts and other administrative functions. The implementation of web application firewalls can help detect and block suspicious requests targeting these specific scripts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1212, which covers exploitation for credential access through information discovery, and T1083, which addresses file and directory discovery techniques. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of information disclosure often indicates broader security gaps in application design and implementation.