CVE-2011-3778 in PhpGedView
Summary
by MITRE
PhpGedView 4.2.3 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 serviceClientTest.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3778 represents a classic information disclosure issue affecting PhpGedView version 4.2.3, a popular web-based genealogy application. This flaw allows remote attackers to extract sensitive system information through direct access to specific php files within the application's directory structure. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users attempt to access certain .php files directly rather than through the intended application interface, resulting in error messages that inadvertently reveal the application's installation path on the server. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or specialized privileges, making it easily exploitable by any remote attacker who can access the web application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the PhpGedView application's file access mechanisms. When certain php files such as serviceClientTest.php are accessed directly, the application fails to properly sanitize error messages or implement proper access controls. Instead of presenting a generic error or redirecting users appropriately, the system outputs detailed error information including the absolute file path where the application is installed. This occurs because the application's error reporting mechanism is configured to display full debugging information to all users, regardless of their access level or intended use of the file. The installation path disclosure creates a significant security risk as it provides attackers with precise information about the server's file structure, potentially enabling them to craft more sophisticated attacks or identify other vulnerabilities within the same system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves obtaining information about the system environment through error messages and debug information.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3778 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a critical foothold for further exploitation attempts. Once an attacker knows the exact installation path, they can potentially identify other files, directories, and system configurations that may contain sensitive data or vulnerabilities. This information can be leveraged to perform directory traversal attacks, identify other vulnerable components within the same server environment, or craft targeted attacks against specific system configurations. The vulnerability also undermines the principle of least privilege, as it allows unauthorized access to system information that should remain confidential. Organizations running PhpGedView 4.2.3 are particularly at risk since this vulnerability affects the core application functionality and can be exploited without any specialized tools or extensive knowledge of the target system. The exposure of installation paths can also facilitate attacks against other applications hosted on the same server, as attackers may discover additional vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that exist within the broader system environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3778 should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling within the PhpGedView application. System administrators should immediately upgrade to a patched version of PhpGedView that addresses this vulnerability, as the original version 4.2.3 contains multiple security flaws that compound the risks associated with information disclosure. The application should be configured to disable debug mode and error reporting for production environments, ensuring that error messages do not reveal system paths or internal application details. Additionally, proper access controls should be implemented to prevent direct access to php files that are intended to be accessed only through the application's legitimate interface. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can also help detect and block attempts to access these sensitive files directly. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and ensure that error handling mechanisms are properly configured to prevent information leakage. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that the patched version properly handles all file access scenarios without exposing sensitive system information.