CVE-2011-3714 in ClanSphere
Summary
by MITRE
ClanSphere 2010.0 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 mods/board/attachment.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
ClanSphere 2010.0 contains a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes installation paths through error messages generated by direct requests to php files. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and information exposure, which is classified as CWE-209 in the CWE database. The specific flaw occurs when attackers make direct requests to .php files within the application, particularly demonstrated through the mods/board/attachment.php endpoint. When these requests are processed, the application generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the full server path where ClanSphere is installed, providing attackers with valuable system information that can be used for further exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize error messages and handle malformed requests. When a direct request is made to a php file without proper validation or error handling mechanisms, the system returns detailed error information including the absolute path to the installation directory. This occurs because the application does not implement proper input validation or error suppression techniques that would prevent sensitive path information from being exposed to remote attackers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or privileged access to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the application's web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial system architecture details that can facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The exposed installation path can be used to map the application's directory structure, identify potential weak points in the file system permissions, and aid in crafting targeted attacks against specific components. This information exposure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain information about the target system. Attackers can leverage this path information to perform directory traversal attacks, identify file permissions, and potentially discover other vulnerable components within the same installation directory structure.
The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate error handling mechanisms that are fundamental requirements for web application security. Organizations deploying ClanSphere 2010.0 are exposed to significant risk as this information disclosure can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The lack of proper error suppression and path sanitization represents a failure to implement basic security controls that should be standard in any production web application. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and implementing proper input validation and error handling procedures to prevent unintentional information disclosure that could compromise system security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper error handling mechanisms that suppress detailed error messages from being displayed to end users, configuring the web server to prevent direct access to php files without proper authentication, and implementing input validation to ensure that all requests are properly routed through the application's intended interface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block direct file access attempts, as well as regularly reviewing application logs for suspicious access patterns. Additionally, updating to a newer version of ClanSphere that addresses this vulnerability would provide the most effective long-term solution. The remediation process should also include security training for developers to ensure proper error handling practices are implemented in future development cycles and that information disclosure vulnerabilities are properly identified and addressed during the software development lifecycle.