CVE-2011-3793 in Pixie
Summary
by MITRE
Pixie 1.04 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 admin/modules/static.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3793 affects Pixie version 1.04 and represents a sensitive data exposure issue that enables remote attackers to gather critical system information through direct file access attempts. This flaw manifests when specific php files are accessed directly, causing the application to reveal the installation path through error messages that are not properly sanitized or suppressed. The vulnerability specifically impacts files such as admin/modules/static.php and other related components within the Pixie framework, creating a significant information disclosure risk that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain insights into the target system's configuration and deployment structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the Pixie application's php file execution process. When attackers make direct requests to vulnerable php files, the application fails to properly manage error conditions, resulting in the exposure of the full server path where the application is installed. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages, and represents a common weakness in web application security where developers fail to implement proper error suppression or sanitization routines. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and error management practices that are frequently observed in legacy web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as critical reconnaissance data for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the exact file structure and installation locations enables attackers to craft more targeted exploitation strategies, potentially leading to further compromise through directory traversal attacks, path disclosure attacks, or other related vulnerabilities. This information exposure creates opportunities for attackers to map the application's internal architecture and identify potential additional attack vectors. The vulnerability also increases the risk of privilege escalation attempts and can facilitate more advanced persistent threat campaigns by providing attackers with the foundational knowledge required for deeper system infiltration.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive error handling procedures that prevent sensitive path information from being exposed in error messages. Organizations should ensure that all php files within the Pixie application properly suppress or sanitize error outputs, particularly in administrative sections where sensitive information is more likely to be exposed. The recommended approach includes implementing centralized error handling mechanisms, configuring web server error pages to prevent detailed error information disclosure, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify and remediate similar issues across all php files. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input validation can help prevent unauthorized direct access to sensitive administrative php files, aligning with defensive techniques outlined in the attack mitigation framework. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar path disclosure vulnerabilities within the application's codebase and ensure that all error handling routines properly protect sensitive system information from exposure to unauthorized users.