CVE-2011-3801 in SimpleTest
Summary
by MITRE
SimpleTest 1.0.1 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 test/visual_test.php and certain other files.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3801 affects SimpleTest version 1.0.1, a PHP unit testing framework that was widely used for validating web applications. This flaw represents a sensitive data exposure issue that occurs when attackers can directly access specific PHP files within the SimpleTest installation directory. The vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms within the framework's test files, which fail to properly sanitize or suppress error messages that contain system path information. When a remote attacker makes a direct request to files such as test/visual_test.php or other related test scripts, the application returns error messages that inadvertently disclose the absolute installation path of the SimpleTest framework on the server filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves straightforward HTTP requests to specific test files within the SimpleTest directory structure. The flaw manifests as error messages that contain the full server path where SimpleTest is installed, which can include sensitive information about the hosting environment. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to CWE-425 "Direct Request" where applications fail to properly validate or restrict access to internal resources. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to gather reconnaissance information that could be used for subsequent attacks against the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3801 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can provide attackers with critical system context that may aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the exact file structure and installation location can help attackers identify potential weaknesses in the application's security posture, locate other potentially vulnerable components, or plan targeted attacks against specific system configurations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 "File and Directory Discovery" where adversaries gather information about the target system's file structure. The exposure of installation paths can also facilitate attacks such as path traversal or local file inclusion vulnerabilities that might exist elsewhere in the application stack.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper access controls and input validation mechanisms within the SimpleTest framework. Organizations should ensure that test files and directories are not accessible from the web root or implement proper authentication mechanisms to restrict access to these sensitive resources. The recommended approach includes configuring web server access controls to prevent direct access to test directories, implementing proper error handling that suppresses system path information in error messages, and ensuring that all test files are properly secured within the application's security boundaries. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no sensitive information is exposed through error messages or direct file access, aligning with security best practices outlined in ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST SP 800-53 security controls.