CVE-2009-4175 in UTF-8 CuteNews
Summary
by MITRE
CutePHP CuteNews 1.4.6 and UTF-8 CuteNews before 8b allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid date value in the from_date_day parameter to search.php, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4175 affects CutePHP CuteNews version 1.4.6 and UTF-8 CuteNews versions prior to 8b, representing a sensitive information disclosure flaw that stems from inadequate input validation within the search.php script. This issue manifests when an attacker submits an invalid date value through the from_date_day parameter, causing the application to generate an error message that inadvertently exposes the server's installation path. The vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper output handling that leads to information disclosure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 for data manipulation and information gathering. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of error-based information leakage where the application fails to sanitize user inputs properly, allowing malicious actors to infer system-level details that could aid in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the date validation logic of the search functionality, where the from_date_day parameter lacks proper sanitization and validation mechanisms. When an invalid date value is provided, the system's error handling routine outputs diagnostic information containing the absolute file path where CuteNews is installed on the server. This path disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial system information that can be leveraged for directory traversal attacks, local file inclusion exploits, or other path-based vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper exception handling or input validation that would prevent malformed date inputs from triggering error messages that reveal sensitive system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Attackers who exploit this flaw can use the revealed installation path to craft more targeted attacks, potentially bypassing security controls that depend on obfuscating system paths. The vulnerability enables threat actors to map the server's file structure and identify potential attack vectors, particularly when combined with other reconnaissance techniques. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability represents a low-effort entry point that can provide attackers with critical infrastructure knowledge, making it particularly dangerous in environments where system information disclosure can lead to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. The exposure of the installation path also violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the importance of not revealing sensitive system information in error messages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4175 should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the CuteNews application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user inputs, particularly date parameters, through robust validation routines that reject malformed entries before they can trigger error conditions. Organizations should also implement generic error handling that prevents the disclosure of system-specific information in error messages, ensuring that all error responses contain only minimal, non-sensitive information. The fix should include parameter validation that checks date formats against expected patterns and implements proper exception handling that logs errors internally without exposing system details to end users. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious input patterns, and regular security assessments should verify that no similar information disclosure vulnerabilities exist in other application components. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of following secure coding practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in input validation can create significant security risks that compromise entire systems.