CVE-2011-3789 in phpwcms
Summary
by MITRE
phpwcms 1.4.7 r412 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 template/inc_script/frontend_render/disabled/majonavi.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3789 affects phpwcms version 1.4.7 release 412 and represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to obtain installation path details through direct requests to php files. This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities, specifically categorized as CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The flaw manifests when attackers make direct requests to specific php files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting files located in template/inc_script/frontend_render/disabled/majonavi.php and similar paths. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of improper error handling where the application fails to sanitize error messages before displaying them to users, thereby exposing system-specific information that could aid in subsequent attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's error handling mechanisms by crafting specific requests to php files that trigger error conditions. When these requests are processed, the application generates error messages containing the full installation path of the phpwcms system, which includes directory structures and file locations on the server. This exposure occurs because the application does not properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them, allowing attackers to manipulate the request flow to elicit error responses that reveal system information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file structure, which can be used to map the entire application architecture and identify potential additional attack vectors. This information disclosure aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves accessing or extracting system information from a compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of systems running affected phpwcms versions. Attackers who obtain installation paths can leverage this information to conduct more sophisticated attacks including directory traversal attempts, file inclusion exploits, and targeted reconnaissance activities. The exposure of system paths can enable attackers to bypass security controls that rely on obscurity, as the hidden nature of file locations is compromised. This vulnerability also increases the attack surface by providing potential targets for further exploitation, such as identifying version-specific files or locating backup files that might contain sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same server, as the disclosed paths can be used to map interconnected systems and potentially identify cross-application attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3789 should focus on implementing proper error handling and input validation mechanisms within the phpwcms application. System administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of phpwcms that address this information disclosure vulnerability, as the official release should contain proper error sanitization measures. The implementation of custom error pages that do not expose system information is crucial, along with configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages in production environments. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and directory permissions can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files, while regular security audits should verify that no sensitive information is exposed through error conditions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious requests attempting to access internal php files, and establish monitoring procedures to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The remediation efforts should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar information disclosure vulnerabilities in the future.