CVE-2011-3800 in Serendipity
Summary
by MITRE
Serendipity 1.5.5 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 templates/newspaper/layout.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3800 affects Serendipity version 1.5.5, a content management system that exposes sensitive installation path information through error messages generated by direct requests to php files. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that can provide attackers with critical system details that aid in subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability manifests when specific php files such as templates/newspaper/layout.php are accessed directly, causing the system to reveal its installation path in error messages. This type of information exposure creates a significant security risk as it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the system's file structure and deployment location.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the Serendipity application. When a direct request is made to certain php files, the system fails to properly sanitize or suppress error messages that contain system path information. This behavior aligns with CWE-209, which describes improper handling of error conditions that reveal sensitive information about the system environment. The vulnerability specifically exploits the application's failure to implement proper input validation and error message management, allowing attackers to obtain path disclosure through simple http requests. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in web application development where error messages are not appropriately filtered to prevent information leakage.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for affected systems as it provides attackers with precise installation paths that can be used in conjunction with other exploitation techniques. The exposed path information can facilitate directory traversal attacks, help identify system configurations, and provide insights into the application's deployment structure. Attackers can leverage this information to craft more targeted attacks against the system, potentially leading to further compromises. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it serves as a reconnaissance tool that can be combined with other exploits to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share similar deployment patterns, as the disclosed information can be used to map entire system architectures.
Security mitigations for CVE-2011-3800 should focus on implementing proper error handling and input validation mechanisms within the Serendipity application. Organizations should ensure that all php files properly validate incoming requests and suppress detailed error messages that reveal system path information. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to use generic error messages that do not disclose sensitive information about the system environment. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and input sanitization can prevent direct access to internal php files that are not intended for public access. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1212, which covers the exploitation of information disclosure vulnerabilities to gain system intelligence. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar information disclosure issues within the application stack, as this type of vulnerability can often be found in legacy systems that have not been properly updated or secured against known attack patterns.