CVE-2011-3774 in phpESP
Summary
by MITRE
php Easy Survey Package (phpESP) 2.1.1 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 public/landing.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3774 affects the php Easy Survey Package (phpESP) version 2.1.1, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes system paths through improper error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the software's error reporting system where direct access to specific php files triggers error messages containing sensitive installation path information. The flaw specifically impacts files such as public/landing.php and other related components within the application's directory structure, making it exploitable by remote attackers without requiring authentication or privileged access. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security design where error messages are not properly sanitized or filtered before being displayed to users, creating an information leak that could aid subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper input validation and error handling procedures. When attackers access certain php files directly through web requests, the system generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the full server path where phpESP is installed. This occurs because the application lacks proper exception handling mechanisms that would prevent sensitive system information from being exposed in error messages. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which describes "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and represents a classic example of how improper error handling can lead to information disclosure attacks. The error messages in question contain not only the installation path but potentially other system-specific details that could assist attackers in mapping the target environment and planning further attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3774 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can significantly aid in subsequent exploitation phases. The exposed installation paths can be leveraged by threat actors to identify the exact location of the application on the server, potentially revealing the operating system type, file structure, and other environmental details. This information disclosure creates opportunities for attackers to craft more targeted attacks, including directory traversal exploits, path manipulation attempts, or other privilege escalation techniques that rely on knowledge of the system's file structure. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities to gain intelligence about the target system. Organizations running affected versions of phpESP face increased risk of compromise, as this information leak can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks in the attack chain.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper error handling and input validation measures within the phpESP application. System administrators should ensure that all php files implement comprehensive error handling that prevents sensitive system information from being exposed in error messages. This includes configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages and implementing custom error pages that provide generic information only. The recommended approach involves modifying the application's error reporting settings to disable the display of installation paths and other system-specific details in error messages. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify all files that may generate error messages containing sensitive information and ensure proper sanitization of error outputs. The vulnerability also necessitates regular security assessments and application hardening procedures to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the system.