CVE-2011-3736 in ExoPHPDesk
Summary
by MITRE
ExoPHPDesk 1.2.1 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 upgrades/upgrade9.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3736 affects ExoPHPDesk version 1.2.1, a web-based help desk application that falls under the category of web application security flaws. This specific weakness represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes installation paths through error messages generated during direct file access attempts. The flaw manifests when remote attackers can directly request certain php files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting upgrade scripts such as upgrades/upgrade9.php along with other vulnerable files within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient error handling mechanisms within the application's codebase. When users or attackers make direct requests to sensitive php files without proper authentication or validation, the system fails to sanitize error messages appropriately. Instead of presenting generic error responses, the application reveals detailed installation paths in its error messages, effectively providing attackers with crucial system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation. This type of information disclosure directly aligns with CWE-209, which describes the weakness of exposing internal implementation details through error messages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with precise installation paths that can facilitate more sophisticated attacks. Once an attacker obtains the installation path, they can potentially map the application's directory structure, identify other vulnerable files, and craft targeted attacks against specific components. This vulnerability particularly affects the application's upgrade functionality, suggesting that attackers could potentially exploit the upgrade process to gain unauthorized access or manipulate the system's configuration. The exposure of file paths also enables attackers to understand the application's architecture and identify potential attack vectors that might not be immediately apparent through normal reconnaissance.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the attack chain described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the information gathering phase where attackers collect system information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be accomplished through simple web requests, making it particularly dangerous for unpatched systems. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to address this issue, as the vulnerability exists in a widely used help desk application. The remediation process involves either applying the vendor's official patch or implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent path information from being exposed in error messages.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation within web applications. Modern security frameworks emphasize the need for applications to never reveal internal system information through error messages, as this information can be exploited to bypass other security controls. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions to detect and prevent direct file access attempts that could lead to information disclosure. The vulnerability demonstrates that even seemingly minor issues in error handling can have significant security implications, reinforcing the principle that all application components must be rigorously tested for security flaws.