CVE-2011-3732 in eggBlog
Summary
by MITRE
eggBlog 4.1.2 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 _lib/fckeditor/editor/dialog/fck_spellerpages/spellerpages/server-scripts/spellchecker.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3732 affects eggBlog version 4.1.2 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that enables remote attackers to obtain critical system information through direct requests to specific php files. This flaw manifests when attackers access certain script files directly, resulting in error messages that disclose the application's installation path. The vulnerability specifically impacts files located within the _lib/fckeditor/editor/dialog/fck_spellerpages/spellerpages/server-scripts/ directory structure, though similar issues may exist in other php files throughout the application. Such information disclosure vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-200 category, which encompasses weaknesses that result in the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication or specialized privileges, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can identify the vulnerable files within the application's directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the affected php scripts. When these files are accessed directly without proper validation or authentication mechanisms, the application fails to sanitize error messages appropriately, leading to the exposure of the full server path where the application is installed. This type of information disclosure creates a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial system layout information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in input validation and error message generation, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 - Exploitation for Credential Access, as the disclosed information can facilitate further exploitation attempts. The error messages typically contain filesystem paths that reveal directory structures, potentially exposing sensitive server configuration details that attackers can use to craft more sophisticated attacks against the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a foundation for more advanced exploitation techniques. Once the installation path is known, attackers can potentially identify other vulnerable components within the application's directory structure, leading to additional attack surfaces. The exposed path information may reveal the presence of other vulnerable files, outdated components, or misconfigured directories that could be exploited for privilege escalation or data compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that do not implement proper access controls or input validation, making it a critical concern for any system administrator or security professional responsible for maintaining web application security. The disclosure of installation paths can also aid in fingerprinting attacks where attackers identify the specific application version and potentially exploit known vulnerabilities associated with that particular eggBlog version.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3732 should focus on implementing proper access controls and error handling mechanisms within the affected php applications. Organizations should ensure that sensitive files are not directly accessible via web requests by implementing proper directory permissions and web server configurations that prevent direct access to internal script files. The application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages in production environments, implementing generic error pages that do not reveal system information. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct requests to sensitive file paths. Additionally, the affected eggBlog version should be updated to a patched version that addresses this information disclosure vulnerability, as the original 4.1.2 release contains multiple security weaknesses that compound the risks associated with this particular flaw. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application infrastructure. The implementation of proper logging mechanisms can also help detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files, providing early warning of potential exploitation attempts.