CVE-2011-3738 in Feng Office
Summary
by MITRE
Feng Office 1.7.2 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 public/upgrade/templates/layout.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3738 affects Feng Office version 1.7.2, a web-based project management and collaboration platform. This issue represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly handle error conditions in its file processing logic. The flaw manifests when remote attackers can directly access php files within the application's directory structure, specifically targeting files such as public/upgrade/templates/layout.php and similar components. When these files are accessed without proper authentication or validation, they generate error messages that inadvertently expose the server's file system path where Feng Office is installed.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure flaws in software applications. The root cause stems from inadequate error handling practices within the application's codebase, where error messages are displayed to end users without proper sanitization or access control measures. When the system encounters a condition that triggers an error during the processing of these specific php files, it outputs debugging information including the absolute file path to the installation directory. This path disclosure represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with crucial system information that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers who obtain the installation path can use this information to plan targeted attacks against the specific version of Feng Office, potentially identifying known vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that exist within the application's codebase. The exposure of the file system structure also enables attackers to map the application's directory layout, which can reveal other potential attack vectors or sensitive files that might be accessible through the same vulnerability. This information disclosure can be particularly dangerous when combined with other reconnaissance techniques, as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the application's deployment environment.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a clear violation of secure coding practices and recommend immediate remediation through multiple layers of defense. The primary mitigation involves implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive system information from being exposed to unauthorized users. This includes configuring the web application to display generic error messages instead of detailed technical information, implementing proper access controls for all php files, and ensuring that error logging occurs on the server side without exposing details to end users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct access attempts to sensitive files. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities within the application's codebase. The remediation approach should align with the principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the information gathering and reconnaissance phases, where such vulnerabilities are classified as techniques that enable attackers to understand the target environment before launching more sophisticated attacks.