CVE-2011-3795 in Podcast Generator
Summary
by MITRE
Podcast Generator 1.3 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 core/themes.php and certain other files.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3795 affects Podcast Generator version 1.3, a web-based content management system designed for creating and managing podcast feeds. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that exposes system internals to unauthorized users. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of error conditions within its PHP scripts, specifically in files such as core/themes.php and other related components. When remote attackers make direct requests to these vulnerable .php files, the application fails to sanitize error messages properly, resulting in the revelation of the system's installation path through error output.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the Podcast Generator framework. When a malformed request or unauthorized access attempt is made to sensitive PHP files, the system generates error messages that inadvertently include the absolute file path where the application is installed on the server. This occurs because the application does not implement proper error suppression or logging mechanisms that would prevent sensitive path information from being exposed to external users. The vulnerability specifically affects the error reporting configuration within the PHP environment, where default error messages are displayed without sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can provide attackers with critical system information that facilitates further exploitation attempts. Knowledge of the exact file structure and installation location enables attackers to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific components within the application. This information disclosure can be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to perform directory traversal attacks, file inclusion exploits, or to map the complete application architecture. The exposure of system paths aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses improper error handling that reveals sensitive information, and represents a significant security weakness in the application's defensive posture.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework's initial access and reconnaissance phases, where adversaries seek to gather intelligence about target systems before launching more targeted attacks. The information disclosed through this vulnerability can be used to identify potential attack vectors, understand the application's code structure, and plan subsequent exploitation efforts. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene in application error handling, which is a common pattern in legacy web applications. The vulnerability can be exploited by any remote user without authentication requirements, making it particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with immediate access to system internals that would otherwise remain hidden.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive information disclosure, including configuring PHP to suppress detailed error messages in production environments, implementing custom error pages that do not reveal system paths, and ensuring that all error conditions are properly logged without exposing internal system details. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities across their web applications, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security configuration issues. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of Podcast Generator, implementing proper input validation, and establishing comprehensive error handling procedures that align with security best practices and industry standards for web application security.