CVE-2011-3709 in b2evolution
Summary
by MITRE
b2evolution 3.3.3 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 locales/ru_RU/ru-RU.locale.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3709 affects b2evolution version 3.3.3 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that enables remote attackers to obtain installation path information through direct requests to php files. This weakness falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers make direct requests to certain php files within the application, causing error messages to reveal the system installation path. This type of information disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with critical system details that can be leveraged for further exploitation.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the b2evolution application. When specific php files such as locales/ru_RU/ru-RU.locale.php are accessed directly without proper authentication or validation, the application fails to sanitize error messages appropriately. This results in the exposure of the complete file system path where the application is installed, which can include directory structures, server locations, and potentially sensitive organizational information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require any special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker with basic web browsing capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be used for subsequent attacks. The exposed installation paths can reveal server configurations, directory structures, and potentially help attackers identify other vulnerable components within the same system. This information can be particularly valuable when combined with other reconnaissance techniques, as it may reveal the presence of other vulnerable applications or services running on the same server. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in error message handling and input validation, which can serve as an entry point for more sophisticated attacks such as path traversal, directory listing, or even remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities.
Organizations using affected versions of b2evolution should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves modifying the application configuration to suppress detailed error messages from being displayed to end users and remote attackers. This can be achieved through proper error handling mechanisms, input validation, and the implementation of generic error pages that do not reveal system information. Additionally, access controls should be implemented to prevent direct access to sensitive php files and directories, particularly those containing locale or configuration data. The remediation efforts should align with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and should include regular security audits to identify similar issues within the application codebase. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious direct file access attempts, which can help prevent exploitation of this and similar information disclosure vulnerabilities.