CVE-2011-3723 in Crafty Syntax
Summary
by MITRE
Crafty Syntax 3.0.2 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 README_FILES/livehelp.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3723 affects Crafty Syntax 3.0.2, a web-based help desk system that exposes sensitive installation path information through error messages generated by direct requests to php files. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can provide attackers with critical system details that aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability manifests when attackers make direct requests to specific php files within the application, causing the system to reveal the absolute installation path in error messages. This information disclosure occurs specifically in files such as README_FILES/livehelp.php and other related components within the application's directory structure. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which defines information exposure as a weakness where a system inadvertently reveals sensitive information to unauthorized users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's error handling mechanisms, where insufficient input validation and error message sanitization allow the system to output internal file paths during error conditions. When a direct request is made to vulnerable php files, the application fails to properly sanitize error outputs, resulting in the disclosure of the full installation path on the server. This type of information disclosure creates a significant security risk as the installation path often contains directory structures, server configurations, and potentially other sensitive system details that could aid in advanced attack scenarios. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a roadmap for understanding the application's internal structure and file organization, which can facilitate further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks by providing attackers with critical system context. An attacker who discovers the installation path can use this information to plan targeted attacks against specific files, understand the application's directory layout, and potentially identify other vulnerable components within the same installation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file system discovery, as the disclosed path information enables attackers to map the application's file structure. The exposure of installation paths can also facilitate path traversal attacks or help attackers craft more effective payloads for other vulnerabilities that may exist within the same application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3723 should focus on implementing proper error handling and input validation mechanisms within the Crafty Syntax application. Organizations should ensure that error messages do not contain sensitive system information and that all error outputs are properly sanitized before being displayed to users. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to return generic error messages instead of detailed system information, while also implementing proper logging mechanisms to track and monitor such attempts. Additionally, system administrators should update to newer versions of Crafty Syntax that address this vulnerability, as version 3.0.2 appears to be outdated and likely contains other unpatched security issues. Security best practices dictate that all php applications should implement proper error handling that prevents sensitive information disclosure, particularly in production environments where such exposure could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper error message handling in preventing information disclosure attacks that can significantly weaken overall system security posture.