CVE-2010-4608 in Habari
Summary
by MITRE
Habari 0.6.5 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to (1) header.php and (2) comments_items.php in system/admin/, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4608 affects Habari version 0.6.5, a content management system that exposes sensitive installation path information through error messages in specific administrative files. This flaw resides in the system/admin/ directory where two particular files header.php and comments_items.php fail to properly handle error conditions, resulting in the disclosure of the server's physical installation path. The vulnerability represents a classic information disclosure issue that can significantly aid attackers in understanding the target system's architecture and potentially identifying additional attack vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through direct HTTP requests to the affected files within the administrative interface. When these files encounter errors during processing, they generate error messages that inadvertently include the full server path where Habari is installed. This path disclosure happens without proper sanitization or error handling mechanisms, allowing remote attackers to obtain system-level information that would normally be restricted from public access. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and error handling in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as crucial intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the exact server paths enables attackers to craft more targeted exploits, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further system compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where the installation path contains sensitive information such as user credentials, database connection strings, or other system-specific details. This exposure increases the risk of successful exploitation by reducing the attacker's attack surface knowledge and providing direct access to system configuration information.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including proper error handling configuration that prevents path disclosure in error messages, regular security audits of application error handling mechanisms, and comprehensive input validation procedures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1212, which addresses the exploitation of information disclosures to gain system information. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct requests to administrative files, along with regular patching procedures to ensure all known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of following secure coding practices and proper error management as outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.