CVE-2011-3766 in OrangeHRM
Summary
by MITRE
OrangeHRM 2.6.0.2 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 themes/orange/menu/Menu.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
CVE-2011-3766 represents a sensitive information disclosure vulnerability affecting OrangeHRM version 2.6.0.2, which falls under the weakness category of CWE-200 - Information Exposure. This vulnerability stems from the application's improper error handling mechanisms that inadvertently expose critical system information through error messages generated during direct file access attempts. The flaw manifests when attackers make direct requests to specific php files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting files in the themes/orange/menu/ directory such as Menu.php. When these files are accessed directly rather than through the proper application workflow, the system generates error messages that contain the absolute installation path of the OrangeHRM instance, thereby revealing sensitive directory structure information to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The exposure of installation paths enables threat actors to better understand the application's deployment environment and potentially identify other vulnerable components within the same directory structure. This information disclosure vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 - Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries collect information about the target environment to plan further exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs without requiring authentication or specific privileges, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can identify the target application's structure.
From a security perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and error handling practices that violate fundamental security principles. The application should implement proper access controls and error handling that prevents direct file execution while maintaining security through obscurity. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that the error messages contain full system paths, which can aid attackers in understanding the system architecture and potentially identifying other misconfigurations or vulnerabilities within the same environment. This type of information exposure is classified as a low-severity vulnerability in terms of direct impact but represents a significant risk in the context of a broader attack lifecycle, as it provides valuable reconnaissance data that can be used in conjunction with other exploitation techniques.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2011-3766 involve implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms to prevent direct access to internal php files. Organizations should ensure that all application components are accessed through proper application interfaces rather than direct file requests, which can be achieved through proper web server configuration and application-level access controls. Additionally, error handling should be implemented to prevent the exposure of system paths or other sensitive information in error messages, adhering to the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing proper error handling and access controls, which are fundamental requirements in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.