CVE-2011-3726 in DoceboLMS
Summary
by MITRE
DoceboLMS 4.0.4 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 views/dummy/show.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3726 affects DoceboLMS version 4.0.4, a learning management system that exposes critical system information through improper error handling mechanisms. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that undermines the security posture of the affected platform by revealing sensitive installation paths to unauthorized users. The vulnerability manifests when remote attackers can directly access specific php files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting files such as views/dummy/show.php and similar components that contain error handling code susceptible to path disclosure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through direct HTTP requests to specific php files within the DoceboLMS installation, where the application fails to properly sanitize error messages before displaying them to users. When these files encounter errors during processing, they inadvertently reveal the complete server path where the application is installed, providing attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that could facilitate further exploitation attempts. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the improper handling of exceptions and error messages that reveal sensitive system information. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and error handling practices that violate fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as critical intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks against the system. The exposed paths may include server root directories, database connection details, or other sensitive configuration information that could be leveraged to escalate privileges or bypass security controls. Attackers can use this information to map the application's directory structure, identify potential weak points in the file system permissions, or locate other vulnerable components within the same installation. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of file and directory permissions, and T1068, which addresses the exploitation of system privileges through information gathering.
Organizations utilizing DoceboLMS 4.0.4 should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages and implementing proper input validation for all php files. The most effective approach involves modifying the application's error handling mechanisms to prevent path disclosure in error messages, typically through the configuration of php.ini settings or by implementing custom error handlers that sanitize output before display. Additionally, implementing proper access controls to prevent direct access to internal php files through web server configuration or application-level restrictions would significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security audits and the implementation of security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, which would limit the exposure of sensitive system information through error handling mechanisms.