CVE-2011-3742 in HelpCenter Live
Summary
by MITRE
HelpCenter Live 2.1.7 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 modules/HelpCenter/index.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3742 affects HelpCenter Live 2.1.7, a web-based customer support system that exposes critical system information through improper error handling mechanisms. This issue represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can significantly impact the security posture of affected systems. The flaw manifests when remote attackers can directly request specific php files within the application, triggering error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete installation path of the software on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and information exposure, which are commonly classified under CWE-209 and CWE-200 respectively.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through straightforward HTTP requests targeting specific module files such as modules/HelpCenter/index.php and other related php components within the application. When these files are accessed directly without proper authentication or input validation, the application generates error messages that contain the full server path where HelpCenter Live is installed. This information disclosure can provide attackers with crucial metadata about the target system's file structure, which can then be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including path traversal attempts, directory enumeration, or further exploitation of other vulnerabilities present in the system. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in error message generation and system logging, where sensitive path information should never be exposed to unauthenticated users.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3742 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with foundational knowledge required for advanced exploitation techniques. The revealed installation paths can be used in conjunction with other attack vectors to perform directory traversal attacks, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive files or system resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories, as it enables adversaries to gather system information that can be used for further reconnaissance. Organizations running HelpCenter Live 2.1.7 are at increased risk of targeted attacks, as the disclosed path information can be used to craft more precise attacks against the specific system configuration. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in NIST SP 800-53, specifically addressing the need for proper error handling and information protection in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3742 should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive information disclosure while maintaining application functionality. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of HelpCenter Live, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases. System administrators should implement input validation and authentication controls to prevent direct access to php files without proper authorization. The application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages in production environments and instead display generic error pages to users. Additionally, web server configurations should be reviewed to ensure that sensitive directories and files are not accessible through direct URL requests. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns to php files, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities throughout the application stack. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the principle of least privilege in system design.