CVE-2011-3711 in BIGACE
Summary
by MITRE
BIGACE 2.7.5 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 system/libs/javascript.inc.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3711 affects BIGACE version 2.7.5 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that stems from improper error handling mechanisms within the application's file processing logic. This flaw allows remote attackers to directly access php files and extract installation path information through error messages, creating a significant information disclosure risk that can be leveraged by malicious actors for further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability specifically manifests when certain system files such as system/libs/javascript.inc.php are accessed directly, revealing critical system paths that should remain hidden from external parties.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through a classic path disclosure pattern where the application fails to properly sanitize or validate direct file access requests. When attackers make unauthorized direct requests to php files, the system generates error messages that inadvertently expose the complete installation path of the BIGACE application. This occurs due to the absence of proper input validation and error handling controls that would normally prevent such information leakage. The flaw aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses error messages containing sensitive information, and represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture that violates basic security principles of least privilege and information hiding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as critical intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the exact file structure and directory layout enables threat actors to craft more targeted exploitation strategies, potentially leading to further compromises including arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or additional information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects the core application infrastructure by exposing the underlying system architecture, which can be particularly damaging in environments where application security is paramount and where attackers might use this information to bypass other security controls or identify additional attack vectors.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including proper input validation and sanitization of all file access requests, ensuring that error messages do not contain sensitive system information, and implementing proper access controls that prevent direct access to internal system files. The implementation of proper error handling mechanisms that suppress detailed path information in error messages aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211, which focuses on manipulating error handling to gain information about the target system. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components and ensure that all application files are properly protected against direct access attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be prioritized to address such vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in real-world scenarios, as this type of information disclosure vulnerability has historically served as a gateway for more serious security breaches.