CVE-2011-3727 in DokuWiki
Summary
by MITRE
DokuWiki 2009-12-25c 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 lib/tpl/index.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3727 affects DokuWiki version 2009-12-25c and represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that exposes installation paths through error messages generated during direct file requests. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The flaw manifests when remote attackers directly request php files within the DokuWiki installation, particularly targeting files such as lib/tpl/index.php and other related components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's error handling mechanisms by triggering specific php files that contain insufficient input validation and error message sanitization. When these files are accessed directly rather than through the proper application interface, they generate error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete server path where DokuWiki is installed. This occurs because the application fails to properly handle direct file access attempts and instead displays verbose error information that includes filesystem paths, making it possible for attackers to obtain detailed knowledge of the server configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts. The exposed installation paths can be used to map the server structure, identify potential file locations, and assist in crafting more sophisticated attacks targeting specific components. This information disclosure vulnerability represents a significant risk to the overall security posture of systems running affected DokuWiki versions, as it provides attackers with foundational knowledge about the target environment that could be combined with other vulnerabilities to achieve more severe outcomes.
The attack vector for this vulnerability requires minimal sophistication and can be executed through simple web requests to specific php files within the DokuWiki directory structure. This makes it particularly dangerous as it can be discovered and exploited by automated scanning tools, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation across multiple systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving reconnaissance and information gathering, specifically T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1083 (File and Directory Discovery). The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate error handling, which are common patterns in web applications that fail to properly sanitize user inputs and control error message generation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms to prevent direct access to internal php files. Organizations should ensure that all php files within the DokuWiki installation are properly protected through appropriate directory permissions and web server configurations that prevent direct file access. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file access controls, configuring web servers to restrict access to sensitive files, and ensuring that error messages do not contain system path information. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of DokuWiki that address this specific vulnerability should be prioritized, as the affected version represents an outdated release that likely contains other unpatched security issues. Security configurations should also include proper logging and monitoring of access attempts to sensitive files to detect potential exploitation attempts.