CVE-2011-3770 in phpAlbum
Summary
by MITRE
phpAlbum 0.4.1.14 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/Flowing_Dark/parameters.tpl.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3770 affects phpAlbum version 0.4.1.14 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that stems from improper error handling mechanisms within the application's file structure. This flaw allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information through direct requests to specific php files, particularly those located within the themes directory. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize error messages or validate file access requests, resulting in the disclosure of the complete installation path through error responses generated by the web server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to implement proper access controls and error handling for file requests. When an attacker makes a direct request to files such as themes/Flowing_Dark/parameters.tpl.php or similar theme-related php files, the application does not properly validate whether the request is legitimate or authorized. This lack of validation allows the web server to return detailed error messages that contain the absolute file path where phpAlbum is installed on the server. The error messages typically include stack traces or file path information that reveals the underlying directory structure, providing attackers with crucial information for further exploitation attempts.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for systems running affected versions of phpAlbum. The disclosure of installation paths provides attackers with essential information for conducting more sophisticated attacks, including directory traversal exploits, privilege escalation attempts, and targeted attacks against specific system components. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper error handling that leads to information disclosure, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can create security exposure points. This type of information disclosure can facilitate subsequent attacks by providing attackers with the precise locations of system files and directories, making it easier to identify potential attack vectors and target specific components of the application.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the leaked installation paths can be leveraged in combination with other exploits to create more effective attack scenarios. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovery of file and directory permissions, as the disclosed paths can reveal directory structures and potentially sensitive configuration information. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices related to error message handling and access control mechanisms, which are fundamental requirements for secure application development. Organizations using affected versions of phpAlbum should immediately implement mitigations including proper error handling configuration, file access restrictions, and removal of unnecessary files or directories that might expose system information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3770 should focus on implementing comprehensive error handling practices and access control mechanisms within the phpAlbum application. System administrators should disable detailed error messages in production environments and ensure that error handling is properly configured to prevent path disclosure. The recommended approach includes updating to a patched version of phpAlbum if available, implementing proper file access controls, and conducting thorough security reviews of all application files. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and error handling in web applications, as these mechanisms form the foundation of secure software development practices and help prevent information disclosure attacks that can compromise entire systems.