CVE-2011-3776 in phpFormGenerator
Summary
by MITRE
phpFormGenerator 2.09 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 forms/process.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3776 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within phpFormGenerator version 2.09 that exposes installation paths through error messages generated during remote code execution attempts. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and sensitive data exposure, which aligns with CWE-209 and CWE-497. The flaw specifically manifests when attackers make direct requests to .php files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting the forms/process.php endpoint that demonstrates the vulnerability. The application's failure to properly sanitize error messages creates a situation where system-level information becomes accessible to unauthorized parties, providing attackers with valuable reconnaissance data for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's lack of proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. When phpFormGenerator encounters an unexpected request pattern or invalid input, it generates error messages that inadvertently include the absolute file path of the installation directory. This occurs because the application does not implement proper exception handling or error suppression mechanisms that would prevent sensitive path information from being exposed to end users or attackers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file structure, including directory locations and file paths that could be used to craft more sophisticated attacks or to understand the application's architecture. This type of information disclosure vulnerability is classified under ATT&CK technique T1212 - Exploitation for Credential Access, as the exposed paths can facilitate further exploitation activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the security posture of systems running vulnerable versions of phpFormGenerator. Attackers can leverage the exposed installation paths to understand the application's deployment structure, potentially identifying other vulnerable components or misconfigurations within the same environment. This information can be used to bypass security controls, identify additional attack vectors, or craft targeted attacks against the specific server configuration. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that do not implement proper error handling practices, making it a common issue in legacy or poorly maintained systems. Organizations running affected software face increased risk of more severe attacks, as the exposed path information serves as a foundation for advanced exploitation techniques and can be combined with other vulnerabilities to achieve complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3776 require immediate implementation of proper error handling mechanisms and input validation procedures. System administrators should ensure that all error messages are sanitized and do not contain sensitive path information or system details that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance efforts. The recommended approach involves implementing centralized error handling routines that suppress detailed error information from being displayed to end users, while logging comprehensive error details securely for system administrators. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious request patterns targeting known vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the application's architecture. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of phpFormGenerator where available, or implementing proper error handling mechanisms if the application must continue running in its current form.