CVE-2011-3802 in StatusNet
Summary
by MITRE
StatusNet 0.9.6 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 tpl/index.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3802 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within StatusNet version 0.9.6, a popular open source microblogging platform. This weakness stems from the application's improper handling of error conditions when processing direct requests to php files, specifically exposing sensitive installation path information through error messages. The vulnerability affects the tpl/index.php file and other related php components within the application's template directory structure.
The technical mechanism behind this flaw involves the application's failure to properly sanitize error outputs or implement adequate input validation when processing direct file access attempts. When attackers make unauthorized direct requests to php files, the system generates error messages that inadvertently include the absolute installation path of the StatusNet instance. This path disclosure occurs because the application's error handling routines do not properly filter or suppress filesystem path information that gets embedded within error messages. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200 - Information Exposure, which specifically addresses the unintentional disclosure of sensitive information.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to system security and privacy. The exposure of absolute installation paths provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance information that can be leveraged in subsequent attack phases. Attackers can use the disclosed paths to craft more targeted attacks, potentially identifying the operating system, file structure, and even specific software versions running on the server. The information disclosure can facilitate directory traversal attacks, privilege escalation attempts, and other advanced exploitation techniques that rely on knowledge of the target system's file hierarchy.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the broader ATT&CK framework. Specifically, this weakness maps to techniques related to reconnaissance and initial access phases, where adversaries gather system information to plan their operations. The vulnerability can be exploited as part of a broader attack chain that may include credential harvesting, privilege escalation, or even remote code execution if combined with other vulnerabilities. Network reconnaissance tools can automatically detect such path disclosures, making this a particularly dangerous flaw for publicly accessible systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3802 should focus on implementing proper error handling and input validation mechanisms within the StatusNet application. Organizations should ensure that all error messages are sanitized to prevent the disclosure of filesystem paths or other sensitive information. The recommended approach includes configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages to end users while logging them securely for administrators. Additionally, implementing proper access controls to prevent direct access to php files and ensuring that all application components properly validate input parameters can significantly reduce the attack surface. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious direct file access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to prevent similar information disclosure scenarios.