CVE-2011-3743 in Hesk
Summary
by MITRE
Hesk 2.2 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 inc/footer.inc.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3743 affects Hesk version 2.2, a popular help desk software solution that manages customer support tickets and inquiries. This security flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers through improper error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users make direct requests to php files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting files such as inc/footer.inc.php and other related components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's inadequate error message handling and insufficient input validation. When a remote attacker accesses certain php files directly, the system fails to properly sanitize error outputs, resulting in the exposure of the complete installation path within error messages. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically aligns with CWE-497 which addresses "Exposure of Sensitive System Information to an Unauthorized Actor." The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insecure error handling where the application reveals internal system paths and file locations that should remain hidden from external users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating significant risks for system security and integrity. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains knowledge of the system's file structure and installation paths, which can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. This information disclosure can enable attackers to craft targeted attacks against specific files, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data theft, or system compromise. The exposure of installation paths also violates fundamental security principles of defense in depth and least privilege, as it provides attackers with detailed mapping of the application's internal architecture.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 which covers "File and Directory Discovery" and T1068 which addresses "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The vulnerability can be exploited through simple web requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be discovered and exploited by automated scanning tools. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader reconnaissance activities that precede more complex attack vectors, as the exposed paths can inform subsequent exploitation attempts targeting specific file access or manipulation vulnerabilities.
The recommended mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing proper error handling mechanisms that do not reveal system paths or internal file structures in error messages. Organizations should ensure that all php files within the Hesk application are properly protected through access controls and that direct file access is prevented through proper configuration of web servers. The application should be updated to a patched version that addresses the information disclosure issue, and security headers should be implemented to prevent sensitive information from being exposed in error responses. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization techniques will help prevent unauthorized access to internal application files while maintaining application functionality and user experience.