CVE-2011-3720 in conceptcms
Summary
by MITRE
conceptcms 5.3.1, 5.3.3, and possibly other versions 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 sys_libs/umlib/um_authserver.inc.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3720 affects conceptcms versions 5.3.1, 5.3.3, and potentially other releases, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes installation paths through improper error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the content management system's architecture where direct requests to specific php files trigger error messages containing sensitive system path information. The flaw specifically manifests in files such as sys_libs/umlib/um_authserver.inc.php and similar components within the cms framework, demonstrating how inadequate input validation and error message sanitization can lead to unintended information exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the cms's failure to properly sanitize error responses when processing direct file access requests. When attackers make unauthorized direct requests to php files within the application's directory structure, the system generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete file system path where the cms is installed. This occurs due to the application's lack of proper access control mechanisms and error handling procedures that should prevent such path disclosure in error messages. The vulnerability operates under the principle that sensitive system information should never be exposed through error responses to external requests, as outlined in security best practices and standards such as those referenced in CWE-200.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as crucial intelligence for attackers planning subsequent exploitation attempts. Knowledge of the exact file system structure allows malicious actors to better understand the application's architecture, potentially identifying other vulnerable components or weaknesses in the system's file permissions and access controls. Attackers can leverage this information to craft more sophisticated attacks, including path traversal exploits, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, or to identify specific system configurations that may be targeted in further compromise attempts. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and can facilitate other attack phases by providing attackers with foundational system knowledge.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access control mechanisms and error handling procedures throughout the cms framework. System administrators should ensure that all php files within the cms installation are protected against direct access attempts through proper configuration of web server rules or application-level access controls. The error handling mechanisms must be reviewed and updated to sanitize all error messages, ensuring that no system path information is exposed to external users. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control checks before processing any file requests will prevent unauthorized direct access to sensitive components. The remediation process should also include regular security audits of the cms installation to identify and address similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the system, aligning with the security principles established in industry standards such as those referenced in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.