CVE-2011-2890 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
The MediaViewMedia class in administrator/components/com_media/views/media/view.html.php in Joomla! 1.5.23 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via vectors involving the base variable, leading to disclosure of the installation path, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-2488.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2890 affects Joomla
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the MediaViewMedia class. When processing the base variable parameter, the application fails to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into error messages or debug output. This insufficient sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious input that reveals directory structures and system paths. The vulnerability operates through parameter manipulation where crafted input values can trigger the application to display installation paths in error messages or response content, effectively leaking sensitive system information.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2890 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked installation paths provide attackers with crucial reconnaissance data for subsequent exploitation attempts. Knowledge of the absolute file paths enables attackers to plan more sophisticated attacks including local file inclusion vulnerabilities, directory traversal exploits, or targeted attacks against specific system components. This information disclosure creates a foundation for privilege escalation and further compromise of the affected Joomla! installation, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to identify the exact server configuration and file structure, which can be leveraged in conjunction with other exploits to achieve unauthorized access.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a variant of information disclosure flaws categorized under CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, specifically targeting reconnaissance activities that precede more destructive operations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Joomla installation that may present similar information disclosure risks.