CVE-2011-3731 in e107
Summary
by MITRE
e107 0.7.24 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 e107_plugins/pdf/e107pdf.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3731 affects e107 version 0.7.24 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes installation paths through improper error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and demonstrates how insecure error messages can inadvertently reveal sensitive system information to unauthorized parties. The flaw manifests when remote attackers can directly request specific php files within the e107 plugin structure, particularly targeting files such as e107_plugins/pdf/e107pdf.php and similar components that lack proper input validation or error handling protocols.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to sanitize error messages or implement proper access controls for plugin files. When these specific php files are accessed directly without proper authentication or validation, the system generates error messages that contain the full installation path of the web application. This occurs because the application does not properly handle cases where requested files are accessed outside their intended execution context, leading to the exposure of directory structures that can be leveraged by attackers for further exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file system layout, including the exact installation paths used by the e107 content management system.
From an operational perspective, this information disclosure vulnerability significantly impacts the security posture of affected systems by providing attackers with crucial reconnaissance data. The exposed installation paths can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal attempts, privilege escalation exploits, or targeted attacks against specific components within the e107 framework. According to ATT&CK framework category T1083, this vulnerability enables adversary reconnaissance activities by providing access to system enumeration information. The impact extends beyond simple path disclosure as it can facilitate further exploitation attempts such as local file inclusion vulnerabilities or help attackers understand the overall system architecture and potential attack vectors.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3731 should focus on implementing proper input validation, access control mechanisms, and secure error handling practices. Organizations should ensure that all plugin files are properly protected through authentication checks and that error messages do not reveal sensitive system information. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file access controls, disabling direct access to plugin files, and configuring the web server to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive php components. Additionally, updating to patched versions of e107 or implementing proper error handling configurations can effectively address this vulnerability. Security practitioners should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct requests to potentially vulnerable php files while monitoring for patterns of information disclosure attempts that align with this specific vulnerability type.