CVE-2011-3783 in phpMyFAQ
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyFAQ 2.6.13 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 lang/language_uk.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3783 affects phpMyFAQ version 2.6.13 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that stems from improper error handling within the application's file structure. This weakness allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information through direct requests to specific php files, specifically demonstrating the exposure of installation paths in error messages. The vulnerability manifests when attackers make direct requests to files such as lang/language_uk.php and other related components, which trigger error responses containing the full server path where phpMyFAQ is installed.
This security flaw falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and can be classified according to CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The vulnerability represents a significant risk because installation paths often contain critical system information that could aid attackers in planning more sophisticated attacks against the target environment. The exposure of these paths provides attackers with knowledge about the server's file structure, which may reveal version information, directory layouts, and potentially other system configurations that could be leveraged in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to perform reconnaissance activities that could lead to more serious security breaches. When an attacker can obtain the installation path, they gain insights into the application's deployment environment, which may include directory permissions, file ownership, and overall system architecture. This information could be used to craft more targeted attacks against other components of the system or to identify potential weaknesses in the server configuration. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where phpMyFAQ is used as a database management interface, as the exposure of installation paths could reveal database connection details or other sensitive configurations.
The attack vector for CVE-2011-3783 is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyFAQ is accessible from the internet. Attackers can simply construct direct HTTP requests to various php files within the application's directory structure, triggering error responses that contain the installation path information. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, and represents a fundamental failure in proper error handling and input validation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in the application's error reporting mechanism, where sensitive system information is exposed without proper sanitization or access controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive information disclosure in error messages. Organizations should ensure that all phpMyFAQ installations implement proper input validation and error handling procedures that do not expose system paths or internal application details. The recommended approach includes configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages and implementing custom error pages that do not contain installation path information. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to verify that no sensitive information is exposed through error responses, and application updates should be applied promptly to address known vulnerabilities. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper security controls as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards.