CVE-2011-3707 in php-openid
Summary
by MITRE
JanRain PHP OpenID library (aka php-openid) 2.2.2 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 Auth/Yadis/Yadis.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The CVE-2011-3707 vulnerability affects the JanRain PHP OpenID library version 2.2.2, representing a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability resides within the authentication and identity verification framework commonly used in web applications for implementing OpenID single sign-on functionality. The flaw manifests when attackers can directly access specific php files within the library, particularly Auth/Yadis/Yadis.php and related components, causing the application to reveal the absolute installation path through error messages. Such information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with critical system architecture details that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling within the php-openid library implementation. When certain php files are accessed directly without proper authentication or input validation, the library generates error messages that inadvertently expose the server's file system structure. This occurs because the library does not properly sanitize error outputs or implement adequate access controls for its internal components. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in secure coding practices where sensitive operational details are exposed through error mechanisms rather than being properly logged or handled internally. According to CWE-200, this represents a weakness in information disclosure where system information is exposed to unauthorized parties through improper error handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3707 extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with foundational information for more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the installation path enables attackers to craft targeted attacks against specific system configurations, potentially leading to directory traversal vulnerabilities or other path-based exploits. The exposure of system paths can also facilitate reconnaissance activities, allowing attackers to understand the application's deployment structure and potentially identify other vulnerable components within the same system. From an attack chain perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation), as it provides the initial reconnaissance data needed for further exploitation.
Organizations utilizing the affected php-openid library should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves ensuring that all php files within the library are properly protected through access controls and that error handling is configured to prevent information disclosure. This includes implementing proper authentication checks for internal library components and configuring web server settings to prevent direct access to php files. Additionally, organizations should consider upgrading to patched versions of the library or implementing custom error handling that sanitizes output before it reaches end users. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and ISO 27001 security standards, which emphasize the need for secure error handling and information protection in web applications.