CVE-2011-3790 in Piwigo
Summary
by MITRE
Piwigo 2.1.5 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 tools/metadata.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3790 affects Piwigo version 2.1.5 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that allows remote attackers to obtain installation path information through direct requests to php files. This flaw demonstrates a classic information disclosure vulnerability where error messages contain sensitive system information that should not be exposed to unauthorized users. The specific files mentioned include tools/metadata.php and other related components within the Piwigo application structure.
This vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure as defined by CWE-200, where the application inadvertently reveals sensitive information through error messages or debugging output. The flaw occurs when the application does not properly handle direct access attempts to php files, resulting in error messages that contain the full system path where Piwigo is installed. This type of information exposure can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that could be used for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can be leveraged by attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks. When an attacker knows the exact location of the web application on the server, they can potentially exploit other vulnerabilities that may exist in that specific directory structure or use the path information to bypass certain security controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core application files that are typically not meant to be accessed directly by end users, yet the application fails to prevent such direct access attempts.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it a significant security concern for Piwigo installations. Remote attackers can simply construct direct requests to the affected php files and observe the error messages that contain the installation path information. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Credential Access and T1083 for File and Directory Discovery, as attackers can use the exposed information to understand the application's structure and potentially locate other sensitive files or directories.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms within the Piwigo application. The most effective approach involves ensuring that all php files are properly protected against direct access attempts through proper authentication checks or access control mechanisms. Additionally, the application should be configured to suppress detailed error messages that contain system path information and instead display generic error messages to users. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions that can detect and block suspicious direct access attempts to application files.
The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling in web applications. Developers should ensure that all application components are properly secured against unauthorized access and that error messages are sanitized to prevent information leakage. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application codebase. The affected Piwigo version should be updated to a patched release that addresses this information disclosure vulnerability, as newer versions likely contain improved access control mechanisms and better error handling procedures. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and directory access controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive application components.