CVE-2009-3600 in HUBScript
Summary
by MITRE
HUBScript 1.0 allows remote attackers to obtain configuration information via a direct request to manage/phpinfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3600 affects HUBScript version 1.0, a web-based content management system that exposes sensitive server configuration details through an insecure direct object reference flaw. This issue represents a critical security weakness that allows unauthorized remote attackers to gain access to detailed server environment information that should remain protected within the system's internal architecture. The vulnerability specifically resides in the management interface component where a direct request to manage/phpinfo.php triggers the execution of the phpinfo function, which is designed to display extensive configuration data about the php environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward HTTP request that bypasses normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. When an attacker accesses the manage/phpinfo.php endpoint, the system executes the phpinfo function without proper authorization checks, thereby revealing comprehensive details about the server's php configuration, installed extensions, environment variables, and potentially sensitive information about the underlying system architecture. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of Information Exposure and represents a variant of insecure direct object reference that enables attackers to access resources they should not be permitted to reach.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed php configuration data can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the detailed server information to identify potential weaknesses in the php environment, discover installed software versions, and understand the system's security posture. This information can facilitate subsequent exploitation attempts such as php injection attacks, version-specific vulnerability exploitation, or social engineering campaigns that target the discovered system characteristics. The vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and violates fundamental security practices by providing unauthorized access to system configuration details that are typically restricted to authorized administrators.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for all management interfaces. Organizations should immediately restrict access to the manage/phpinfo.php endpoint through proper authentication checks, firewall rules, or network segmentation. The recommended approach involves enforcing role-based access control measures that ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive system information. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify and remediate similar insecure direct object references throughout the application. According to ATT&CK framework category T1212, this vulnerability represents an information gathering technique that adversaries use to understand system configurations before launching more targeted attacks, making immediate remediation essential to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also aligns with CWE-668 which addresses incomplete mediation of access control, emphasizing the need for robust authorization mechanisms. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be implemented to identify similar exposure points in other applications and ensure that sensitive configuration information remains protected from unauthorized access attempts.