CVE-2011-3752 in LimeSurvey
Summary
by MITRE
LimeSurvey 1.90+ build9642-20101214 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 admin/statistics.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2018
This vulnerability in LimeSurvey 1.90+ build9642-20101214 represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. The vulnerability manifests when specific php files are accessed directly, revealing the installation path through error messages that are not properly sanitized or handled. This type of information disclosure can be categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper error handling and logging mechanisms. The affected files include admin/statistics.php and other related components within the LimeSurvey application, making this a widespread issue that affects the core administrative functionality of the platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the LimeSurvey codebase. When attackers access certain php files directly rather than through the proper application interface, the system fails to properly sanitize error messages before displaying them to users. This creates a scenario where the full server path where LimeSurvey is installed becomes visible in error output, providing attackers with critical infrastructure information that could be used for subsequent attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's error reporting mechanism, where internal paths are exposed without proper access controls or sanitization of error output.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability significantly increases the attack surface for potential adversaries targeting LimeSurvey installations. The exposed installation paths provide attackers with precise knowledge of the server environment, including directory structures and potential file locations that could aid in further exploitation attempts. This information disclosure can be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to escalate attacks, as attackers can now map the application's file structure and potentially identify other sensitive files or components. The impact extends beyond simple information exposure, as this data can be used to craft more targeted attacks against the specific server configuration and application setup.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation for this vulnerability, beginning with proper access controls that prevent direct access to administrative php files. The recommended approach includes configuring web server permissions to restrict access to sensitive directories and implementing proper error handling that sanitizes all error messages before display. According to ATT&CK framework category T1212, adversaries often exploit information disclosure vulnerabilities to gather system information, making this particular weakness a prime target for reconnaissance activities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct access attempts to administrative components, as well as regular security audits to ensure that error handling mechanisms properly sanitize all output. Additionally, updating to patched versions of LimeSurvey that address this specific information disclosure issue remains the most effective long-term solution to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.