CVE-2011-3717 in ClipBucket
Summary
by MITRE
ClipBucket 2.0.9 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 plugins/signup_captcha/signup_captcha.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3717 affects ClipBucket version 2.0.9, a content management system for video sharing platforms. This issue represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly handle error conditions in its PHP scripts. The flaw manifests when attackers can directly access specific PHP files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting files such as plugins/signup_captcha/signup_captcha.php and similar components. When these files encounter errors or are accessed improperly, they generate error messages that inadvertently expose the server's file system paths, providing attackers with sensitive installation path information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure issues where sensitive data is unintentionally revealed to unauthorized actors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the ClipBucket application's PHP codebase, specifically in how the system processes requests to plugin files. When a direct request is made to these vulnerable PHP files without proper authentication or validation, the application's error reporting mechanism outputs detailed error information including the absolute file paths on the server where ClipBucket is installed. This occurs because the system lacks proper input sanitization and error handling protocols that would prevent such sensitive information from being exposed to external users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial system reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the exact installation path allows malicious actors to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to directory traversal exploits, remote code execution attempts, or further reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental security flaw in the application's architecture where error handling does not adequately protect system internals from exposure. Attackers can use this information to map the server's file structure, identify potential weaknesses in the application's directory permissions, or to plan more advanced exploitation techniques that might require knowledge of specific file locations.
Security practitioners should address this vulnerability through multiple mitigation strategies that align with established security frameworks and best practices. The primary remediation involves implementing proper error handling throughout the ClipBucket application, ensuring that all PHP files return generic error messages to users while logging detailed technical information internally for administrators. This approach follows the principle of least privilege and defense in depth as outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's information gathering tactics. Additionally, implementing input validation and access controls for plugin directories can prevent direct access to sensitive PHP files, while regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to sensitive application components, thereby reducing the attack surface and protecting against exploitation of similar information disclosure vulnerabilities.