CVE-2011-3710 in bbPress
Summary
by MITRE
bbPress 1.0.2 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 bb-templates/kakumei/view.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3710 affects bbPress version 1.0.2, a popular forum software built on wordpress. This issue represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly handle error conditions in its file processing mechanisms. The flaw manifests when remote attackers can directly access php files within the bbPress installation, particularly targeting files such as bb-templates/kakumei/view.php and similar template components. When these files are accessed directly without proper authentication or input validation, the application generates error messages that inadvertently expose the absolute installation path of the software on the server filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the application's inadequate error handling procedures that do not sanitize or mask sensitive path information in error responses. When a direct request is made to vulnerable php files, the system produces error messages containing the full server path where bbPress is installed. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically aligns with CWE-16 "Improper Error Handling" and CWE-210 "Improperly Controlled Program Termination." The vulnerability enables attackers to gain knowledge about the server environment configuration which can serve as a critical first step in more sophisticated attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Knowledge of the absolute installation path allows threat actors to better understand the server structure and potentially identify other vulnerabilities through path traversal attacks or by mapping the application's file hierarchy. This information can also assist in crafting more targeted attacks against other components of the system, as attackers can now correlate their knowledge of the installation path with potential file access points. The vulnerability creates a foothold for attackers to escalate their activities within the compromised environment, making it particularly dangerous in multi-layered attack scenarios.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive path information from being exposed in error messages. The recommended approach involves configuring the web application to suppress detailed error information in production environments and implementing proper input validation and authentication checks for all php files. Organizations should ensure that all template and core files are accessed through proper application controllers rather than being directly accessible via web requests. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and directory permissions can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive application components. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1212 "Exploitation for Credential Access" by providing attackers with information that could lead to more serious compromise. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive security testing of all application components to identify similar path disclosure vulnerabilities across the entire software stack.