CVE-2011-3708 in Automne
Summary
by MITRE
Automne 4.0.2 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 admin/page-redirect-info.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3708 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Automne content management system version 4.0.2. This vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms that expose sensitive system information through improperly configured error messages. When remote attackers make direct requests to specific php files within the application, the system responds with detailed error messages containing the absolute installation path of the application on the server filesystem. This particular example demonstrates the vulnerability through the admin/page-redirect-info.php endpoint, which serves as a clear indicator of how the flaw can be exploited to gather reconnaissance information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure issues where sensitive information is inadvertently disclosed to unauthorized actors. The flaw occurs because the application fails to implement proper error handling and sanitization protocols for direct file access attempts. When users or attackers request php files directly rather than through the intended application interface, the system does not properly validate the request or sanitize the error output. This creates a scenario where the application's internal filesystem structure becomes visible to external parties, potentially revealing directory layouts, server configurations, and other sensitive operational details that could be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly weakens the security posture of systems running affected versions of Automne. The disclosure of installation paths provides attackers with crucial information that can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific system configurations. The information revealed through this flaw can aid in identifying potential attack vectors, understanding the application's architecture, and planning subsequent exploitation phases. This type of information disclosure can facilitate advanced persistent threat campaigns where attackers use the exposed path information to conduct targeted attacks against the specific server environment. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a foothold for reconnaissance activities that would otherwise require more time-consuming and complex discovery methods.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083, which involves discovering system information through various reconnaissance methods. Security professionals should consider implementing comprehensive input validation and error handling mechanisms to prevent such information disclosure scenarios. Mitigation strategies should include configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages, implementing proper access controls for php files, and ensuring that all application endpoints properly validate requests before processing them. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that error handling configurations do not expose sensitive system information. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct file access attempts that may lead to information disclosure, while maintaining proper logging and monitoring capabilities to detect potential exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of proper error handling in web applications, particularly in content management systems that handle sensitive data. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues can create significant security risks when combined with insufficient input validation and error sanitization. Security frameworks and best practices emphasize that applications should never reveal internal system information through error messages, as this information can be exploited to bypass other security controls and escalate attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that information disclosure issues, while often perceived as less critical than direct exploitation flaws, can provide attackers with essential reconnaissance data that significantly increases the overall risk profile of affected systems.