CVE-2009-2160 in TorrentTrader Classic
Summary
by MITRE
TorrentTrader Classic 1.09 allows remote attackers to (1) obtain configuration information via a direct request to phpinfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function; and allows remote attackers to (2) obtain other potentially sensitive information via a direct request to check.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2160 affects TorrentTrader Classic 1.09, a torrent management system that exposes critical configuration and sensitive information through improper access controls. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to system internals and potentially sensitive data. The vulnerability specifically manifests through two distinct attack vectors that collectively undermine the application's security posture.
The primary technical flaw involves the exposure of phpinfo.php and check.php files without proper authentication mechanisms. When attackers directly request phpinfo.php, the application executes the phpinfo function which reveals extensive server configuration details including php version, loaded extensions, system environment variables, and potentially sensitive paths. This aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling and information disclosure. The check.php endpoint similarly exposes additional sensitive information through direct access, creating multiple pathways for attackers to gather intelligence about the underlying system architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with comprehensive insights into the server environment that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The leaked configuration information includes PHP settings, server software versions, and potentially database connection details that attackers could leverage for privilege escalation or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file system discovery, as attackers can systematically enumerate system information without requiring legitimate credentials.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given that it affects a torrent management system that likely handles user data, file sharing information, and potentially sensitive operational details. The lack of authentication checks on these endpoints creates an attack surface that can be exploited by any remote user, making the system particularly vulnerable to reconnaissance activities and subsequent exploitation attempts. Organizations deploying TorrentTrader Classic 1.09 should immediately implement access controls to restrict direct access to these sensitive files and ensure that server configuration information is not exposed to unauthorized parties.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing proper authentication mechanisms for all administrative and diagnostic endpoints, restricting file access through web server configurations, and ensuring that sensitive information disclosure functions are properly secured. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing diagnostic and informational endpoints, as these files often contain the most sensitive information about system internals. Regular security audits and access control reviews should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other applications, particularly those handling user data or system configuration information. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the need for proper input validation and access control implementation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles.