CVE-2011-3702 in Ananta Gazelle
Summary
by MITRE
Ananta Gazelle 1.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to a .php file, which reveals the installation path in an error message, as demonstrated by modules/template.php and certain other files.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3702 affects the Ananta Gazelle 1.0 content management system, presenting a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes installation paths through improperly handled error messages. This vulnerability resides within the application's error handling mechanism where direct requests to php files trigger error responses containing sensitive filesystem information. The specific files mentioned including modules/template.php demonstrate how the system fails to sanitize error outputs, creating a pathway for attackers to gain knowledge about the server's directory structure and deployment configuration.
This flaw represents a classic example of improper error handling and information exposure, aligning with CWE-209 which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where the system does not adequately filter or sanitize error responses before returning them to clients. Attackers can exploit this by directly requesting specific php files, triggering error conditions that inadvertently disclose the complete installation path. This information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides adversaries with critical infrastructure details that could be leveraged for further attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who obtains the installation path can use this information to plan targeted attacks against the specific server configuration, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations. The exposure of the filesystem structure enables attackers to craft more effective exploitation strategies and can facilitate directory traversal attacks or other path-based vulnerabilities. This represents a fundamental weakness in the application's security design where error handling does not consider the potential for information leakage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on comprehensive error handling improvements and input validation. Organizations should implement proper error management protocols that prevent sensitive information from being exposed in error messages, including the use of generic error responses that do not reveal system details. The application should be configured to log detailed errors internally while presenting sanitized messages to end users. Security hardening measures should include regular code reviews focused on error handling patterns, implementation of proper logging frameworks, and ensuring that all php files properly validate input and handle exceptions without revealing system paths. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that prevent information leakage at all levels of application architecture.