CVE-2011-3737 in eyeOS
Summary
by MITRE
eyeOS 2.2.0.0 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 apps/rmail/webmail/program/lib/Net/SMTP.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3737 affects eyeOS version 2.2.0.0, a web-based operating system that provides a desktop environment through web browsers. This security flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. The issue manifests when unauthorized users can directly access php files within the application's directory structure, specifically targeting files like apps/rmail/webmail/program/lib/Net/SMTP.php. When these files are accessed without proper authentication or authorization, they generate error messages containing the complete installation path of the eyeOS system. This type of information exposure creates significant security risks as it provides attackers with crucial system layout information that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of file access requests within the eyeOS framework. The application fails to implement adequate access controls or input validation when processing direct requests to php files, particularly those located in the application's library directories. This weakness allows attackers to bypass normal application workflows and directly query system files that contain sensitive path information in their error output. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure," and represents a common pattern where applications inadvertently reveal internal system details through error messages or direct file access. The error messages generated by the affected php files contain the complete file system path where eyeOS is installed, providing attackers with exact locations of the application's directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of systems running affected eyeOS versions. Attackers who discover the installation path can use this information to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific components within the application's architecture. The exposed path information enables threat actors to understand the application's directory structure, potentially identifying other vulnerable files or components that may be accessible through similar direct access methods. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which focuses on "File and Directory Discovery," as attackers can systematically enumerate the system's file structure to identify potential attack vectors. The disclosure of installation paths also facilitates attacks against other vulnerabilities that might exist in the application's libraries or components, as attackers can now precisely target known locations of vulnerable code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3737 should prioritize implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms within the eyeOS application framework. Organizations should ensure that all php files are properly protected through authentication checks and that error messages do not contain sensitive system information such as file paths or directory structures. The recommended approach involves configuring the web server to prevent direct access to internal php library files while implementing comprehensive error handling that sanitizes output to remove any system-specific information. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper logging mechanisms to detect and alert on unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files. Security hardening practices should include disabling directory listing, implementing proper file permissions, and ensuring that error messages displayed to end users are generic and do not reveal internal system details. These measures align with the principle of least privilege and help prevent attackers from gaining unauthorized access to sensitive system information through direct file access methods.