CVE-2011-3747 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Joomla! 1.6.0 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 libraries/phpmailer/language/phpmailer.lang-joomla.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3747 affects Joomla content management system's error handling mechanisms, specifically in how the system processes requests for PHP files. The flaw manifests when attackers make direct requests to specific .php files within the Joomla
instance on the server filesystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the Joomla! framework's component loading mechanism. When a malformed or unauthorized request is made to a PHP file, the system fails to properly sanitize the error output, allowing the full server path to be displayed in the error message. This occurs because the application does not properly validate whether the requested file can be accessed directly or if it should be processed through the proper application flow. The specific file mentioned in the vulnerability description, phpmailer.lang-joomla.php, serves as a vector for exploitation due to its location within the application's library structure and its interaction with the mailer component. This particular file contains language definitions for PHPMailer but becomes exploitable when accessed directly rather than through the intended application interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted for affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains knowledge of the exact server installation path, which provides crucial information for subsequent attacks. This information disclosure enables attackers to map the server structure and potentially identify other vulnerable components or files in the same directory hierarchy. The exposed installation path can facilitate further exploitation attempts including directory traversal attacks, path disclosure attacks against other components, and targeted attacks against specific file locations. Additionally, knowing the exact installation path allows attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks that may bypass certain security measures or exploit other vulnerabilities that require knowledge of the system's file structure. This information can also be used to enumerate other Joomla! installations on the same server or network, particularly in shared hosting environments where multiple installations may exist.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling procedures within the Joomla installation are protected through proper access controls and that error messages do not reveal sensitive system information. The patch for this vulnerability would typically involve modifying the application's error handling routines to sanitize all output and prevent path disclosure in error messages. System administrators should also implement proper logging mechanisms to detect and monitor unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-200, Information Disclosure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, Exploitation for Credential Access, as the disclosed information can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.