CVE-2011-3715 in ClanTiger
Summary
by MITRE
ClanTiger 1.1.3 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 widgets/statistics/statistics.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3715 affects ClanTiger version 1.1.3, a content management system that suffers from improper error handling mechanisms. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that exposes critical system details to unauthorized users. The vulnerability manifests when remote attackers can directly access php files within the application's directory structure, specifically targeting files such as widgets/statistics/statistics.php and similar components. When these files are accessed without proper authentication or input validation, they generate error messages containing the absolute installation path of the web application on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input sanitization and access control measures. When a user requests a specific php file directly, the system does not properly validate the request or implement appropriate access restrictions. This results in the server returning detailed error messages that include the full file system path where ClanTiger is installed. Such information disclosure creates significant risks for system security as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's directory structure and installation layout. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure flaws that reveal sensitive system details to unauthorized parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts. The exposed installation paths can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal exploits or to identify other potentially vulnerable components within the same directory structure. This information can also aid in bypassing certain security controls or in planning more targeted attacks against the web application or underlying server infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it compromises the system's ability to maintain sensitive operational information.
Security professionals should consider implementing multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves modifying the application's error handling mechanisms to prevent sensitive path information from being exposed in error messages. This includes implementing proper input validation, access control checks, and custom error pages that do not reveal system internals. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable direct file access to php components and implement proper authentication mechanisms for all application files. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent unauthorized direct file access attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling as outlined in various security frameworks and standards. The issue can be addressed through code reviews that ensure all error messages are sanitized and that proper access controls are implemented for all application components.