CVE-2011-3787 in phpScheduleIt
Summary
by MITRE
phpScheduleIt 1.2.12 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 templates/schedule.template.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3787 affects phpScheduleIt version 1.2.12 and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability resides in the application's error handling mechanism where direct requests to specific php files trigger error messages containing the absolute installation path of the web application. The disclosed path information serves as a critical piece of intelligence for attackers planning further exploitation attempts, as it provides them with precise knowledge of the server's file structure and deployment location. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200, which specifically addresses information exposure, and represents a fundamental security weakness that violates the principle of least privilege by revealing system internals unnecessarily.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a direct request to files within the phpScheduleIt application, particularly targeting files such as templates/schedule.template.php and other related components. When these files are accessed directly without proper authentication or input validation, the application's error handling routines generate error messages that inadvertently include the full server path where phpScheduleIt is installed. This occurs because the application fails to properly sanitize error outputs or implement appropriate access controls for its template and configuration files. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and error handling practices that are fundamental to secure application development, creating an attack surface that can be leveraged for reconnaissance purposes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of systems running affected versions of phpScheduleIt. Attackers can use the disclosed installation paths to craft more sophisticated attacks, such as directory traversal attempts, path-based privilege escalation, or to identify other potential vulnerabilities within the same application or server environment. The exposure of the installation path can also facilitate social engineering attacks where attackers use this information to make educated guesses about system configurations or to craft targeted phishing attempts. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the attack framework, particularly those involving reconnaissance and information gathering phases, making it a valuable asset for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3787 require immediate implementation of proper access controls and error handling mechanisms within the phpScheduleIt application. Organizations should ensure that all php files are protected through proper authentication mechanisms and that direct access to template and configuration files is restricted. The application should be configured to display generic error messages to users while logging detailed technical information internally for administrators. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and web server configurations to prevent direct access to sensitive application files. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of phpScheduleIt is essential, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through improved access control measures and enhanced error handling procedures. The remediation efforts should follow secure coding practices outlined in industry standards and include regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the application's codebase.