CVE-2009-4961 in Lanai-core
Summary
by MITRE
Lanai Core 0.6 allows remote attackers to obtain configuration information via a direct request to info.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-4961 affects Lanai Core version 0.6, a web application framework that exposes sensitive system information through an insecure direct object reference flaw. This issue arises from the improper handling of direct requests to the info.php script, which executes the phpinfo function without adequate authentication or authorization checks. The phpinfo function in php is designed to display extensive configuration details about the php environment including loaded modules, configuration settings, environment variables, and server information. When this function is exposed to unauthenticated users, it provides attackers with comprehensive insights into the underlying system architecture and configuration parameters that should remain confidential.
This vulnerability represents a classic example of information disclosure through improper access control mechanisms, falling under the CWE-200 category for exposure of sensitive information. The flaw allows remote attackers to gain detailed knowledge about the server environment, including php configuration values, loaded extensions, and potentially sensitive environmental variables that could aid in subsequent attack phases. The security implications extend beyond simple information gathering as this exposure can reveal critical system details that attackers can leverage for privilege escalation or targeted exploitation of other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or specialized tools to exploit, making it easily accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected web application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a comprehensive view of the php configuration and system environment, potentially exposing sensitive parameters such as database connection strings, file paths, and security settings. This information disclosure can enable attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks by understanding the exact php version, available modules, and system configurations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for obtaining information from the system, specifically targeting information gathering through web application vulnerabilities. Attackers can use the gathered information to identify potential weaknesses in the system configuration, locate sensitive files, or determine the appropriate exploitation techniques for other vulnerabilities that may exist within the same environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper authentication and authorization controls for all administrative and configuration endpoints, removing or securing access to phpinfo functions in production environments, and establishing proper input validation and access control mechanisms. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in their web applications. The remediation process involves either removing the vulnerable info.php script entirely or implementing robust authentication mechanisms that require proper credentials before allowing access to system information. Additionally, web application firewalls and security monitoring tools should be configured to detect and block unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration endpoints, providing defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities across the application infrastructure.