CVE-2009-4254 in pphlogger
Summary
by MITRE
PowerPhlogger 2.2.5 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to (1) edCss.inc.php, (2) foot.inc.php, (3) get_csscolors.inc.php, (4) head.inc.php, (5) head_stuff.inc.php, (6) loglist.inc.php, and (7) pphlogger_send.inc.php in include/, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4254 affects PowerPhlogger 2.2.5, a web-based logging application that tracks visitor statistics for websites. This issue represents a sensitive data exposure flaw that occurs when specific include files are accessed directly through HTTP requests. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's file inclusion system, allowing unauthorized users to trigger error messages that disclose critical system information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves direct access to seven specific include files within the application's include directory. These files include edCss.inc.php, foot.inc.php, get_csscolors.inc.php, head.inc.php, head_stuff.inc.php, loglist.inc.php, and pphlogger_send.inc.php. When these files are accessed directly rather than through proper application flow, they generate error messages containing the complete server installation path. This occurs because the application does not properly validate whether the requested files are being accessed through the intended application interface or directly by an attacker.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant from a security perspective, as it provides attackers with detailed information about the server's file system structure. The disclosed installation path can serve as a foundation for further attacks, including directory traversal attempts, file inclusion exploits, and other reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper output handling that leads to information exposure, and represents a classic case of path disclosure vulnerability that can be exploited to gain insights into the target system's architecture. This information disclosure can be particularly dangerous when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors, as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of file locations that may be targeted in subsequent exploitation phases.
From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation). The path disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to identify potential weak points in the application's security model and can be leveraged as part of a broader reconnaissance effort. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor secure coding practices related to input validation and error handling, as proper validation should prevent direct access to internal application files and ensure that error messages do not reveal sensitive system information. Organizations should implement proper access controls and input validation mechanisms to prevent direct file access and ensure that error messages contain minimal system information to prevent information leakage.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include implementing proper access controls to prevent direct access to include files, configuring the web server to deny access to sensitive directories, and ensuring that error handling does not expose system paths. Additionally, application developers should implement input validation checks and proper file inclusion mechanisms that prevent direct access to internal application components. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and ensure that error messages do not contain sensitive information that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance efforts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to prevent information disclosure attacks that can compromise system security.