CVE-2011-3712 in CakePHP
Summary
by MITRE
CakePHP 1.3.7 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 dispatcher.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3712 affects CakePHP version 1.3.7 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that arises from improper error handling mechanisms within the application framework. This flaw enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system information through straightforward web requests, specifically targeting .php files within the CakePHP installation directory. The vulnerability manifests when attackers directly request specific PHP files such as dispatcher.php, which inadvertently exposes the absolute file system path where CakePHP is installed. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages that reveal system paths, file locations, or other internal implementation details. The security implications extend beyond simple path revelation as this information can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal attempts and exploitation of other vulnerabilities that may exist within the same installation.
The technical execution of this vulnerability requires minimal effort from an attacker, who simply needs to craft a direct HTTP request to specific PHP files within the CakePHP application structure. When these files are accessed without proper authentication or input validation, the framework's error handling mechanism returns detailed error messages that include the full system path where the application resides. This exposure occurs because the framework does not properly sanitize error outputs or implement adequate input validation before processing requests. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects core framework files like dispatcher.php which are essential components of the application's routing mechanism and are typically accessible through normal web traffic patterns. The flaw demonstrates poor security by design principles where the framework's developers failed to implement proper error handling that would prevent sensitive information leakage while maintaining operational functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond the initial information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths provide attackers with crucial reconnaissance data for subsequent exploitation phases. Once an attacker has obtained the system path, they can use this information to craft more targeted attacks against the application, potentially leading to directory traversal vulnerabilities, local file inclusion issues, or even privilege escalation attempts. The exposure of installation paths also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of information disclosure through error messages and the exposure of system information. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 discovery technique, where adversaries gather information about the target system's structure and configuration. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a foothold for further reconnaissance activities and can significantly reduce the time and effort required for more advanced exploitation attempts.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to prevent unauthorized information disclosure while maintaining application functionality. The primary recommendation involves configuring the web server or application framework to suppress detailed error messages in production environments, ensuring that error outputs do not contain system path information or other sensitive details. This can be achieved through proper error handling configuration within CakePHP's application settings or by implementing server-level configurations that mask sensitive information in error responses. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and request filtering can prevent direct access to sensitive framework files without proper authorization. Security hardening measures should include configuring the application to use custom error pages that provide generic error information while logging detailed errors securely for administrative review. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper application security testing and the implementation of security controls during the software development lifecycle, as this type of information disclosure could have been prevented through better error handling design practices and comprehensive security testing procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls or security monitoring solutions that can detect and block suspicious direct file access attempts while maintaining operational visibility into potential security incidents.