CVE-2011-3798 in Rapidleech
Summary
by MITRE
Rapid Leech 2.3-v42-svn322 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 classes/pear.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3798 affects Rapid Leech version 2.3-v42-svn322, a popular file sharing and download manager application. This issue represents a sensitive data exposure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly handle error conditions in its PHP components. The flaw manifests when attackers can directly access specific PHP files within the application's directory structure, particularly classes/pear.php and similar files, which then generate error messages containing the absolute installation path of the web application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the Rapid Leech application's PHP codebase. When certain PHP files are accessed directly without proper authentication or validation, the application throws error messages that inadvertently disclose the full server path where the application is installed. This type of information disclosure vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of error messages containing sensitive information. The vulnerability allows attackers to gain knowledge of the server environment, including directory structures, file locations, and potentially the operating system configuration, which significantly aids in subsequent attack phases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The exposed installation paths can reveal whether the application is running on standard server configurations, potentially exposing the attacker to information about the underlying server architecture, including the presence of specific PHP extensions, server software versions, and directory permissions. This information can be used to craft targeted attacks against known vulnerabilities in the server environment or to plan more effective exploitation strategies. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as it enables attackers to gather system information that can be used for privilege escalation or further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3798 should focus on implementing proper error handling and access control measures within the Rapid Leech application. The most effective approach involves configuring the web server to prevent direct access to PHP files that should not be publicly accessible, typically through .htaccess rules or server configuration files. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation and error handling that prevents sensitive information from being exposed in error messages. The application should be configured to log errors internally without displaying them to end users, and all PHP files should be protected through proper authentication mechanisms or directory permissions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct access attempts to sensitive PHP files, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar information disclosure vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase.