CVE-2011-3750 in kPlaylist
Summary
by MITRE
kPlaylist 1.8.502 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 getid3/getid3/write.id3v1.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3750 affects kPlaylist version 1.8.502 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that enables remote attackers to obtain critical system information through direct requests to php files. This flaw manifests when specific php files are accessed directly, resulting in error messages that disclose the application installation path. The vulnerability specifically impacts files within the getid3/getid3/write.id3v1.php directory structure and similar components within the application's codebase. Such information disclosure vulnerabilities fall under the category of CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The attack vector is straightforward and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any remote attacker with basic internet connectivity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the application's php files. When these files are accessed directly rather than through the intended application workflow, they fail to properly sanitize error messages before displaying them to users. This results in the revelation of absolute file paths on the server, which can include directory structures, filenames, and potentially sensitive configuration details. The specific files mentioned in the vulnerability description demonstrate that this issue is not isolated to a single component but affects multiple php files within the getid3 library integration. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves the exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities to gather intelligence about the target system. The error messages containing installation paths provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used for subsequent attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3750 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage this information to craft targeted attacks against specific components within the application, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities that may exist in the same directory structure. The exposure of the installation path also provides insights into the system architecture and file organization, which can aid in privilege escalation attempts or exploitation of related vulnerabilities. Additionally, this information disclosure can compromise the security posture of the entire system, as it may reveal the presence of other sensitive files or directories that should not be publicly accessible. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in input validation and error handling, creating a persistent risk that remains active as long as the vulnerable application version is deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3750 should focus on implementing proper error handling and input validation mechanisms within the application's php files. Organizations should ensure that all php files properly sanitize error messages and do not display sensitive system information to end users. The recommended approach involves configuring the web server to prevent direct access to sensitive php files, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that error messages are logged securely rather than displayed to users. Security patches should be applied to update kPlaylist to a version that resolves this vulnerability, as the original version 1.8.502 contains this flaw. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent direct requests to sensitive files. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, ensuring that the entire system maintains proper security boundaries and does not expose sensitive information through error conditions.