CVE-2011-3805 in Taskfreak! Multi-mysql
Summary
by MITRE
TaskFreak! multi-mysql-0.6 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 include/language/zh/register_info.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3805 affects TaskFreak! multi-mysql version 0.6, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes installation paths through error messages generated during direct file access. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and information exposure, which aligns with CWE-209 and CWE-497. The flaw manifests when remote attackers make direct requests to specific php files within the application, particularly targeting files in the include/language/zh/ directory such as register_info.php, though similar issues exist across other files in the system. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's error handling mechanisms where sensitive system information becomes visible to unauthorized users through error messages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's failure to properly sanitize error outputs or validate file access requests. When attackers access specific php files directly rather than through the intended application interface, the system generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the absolute installation path of the TaskFreak! application on the server. This type of information disclosure creates significant operational risks for system administrators and security practitioners, as the installation path can provide attackers with crucial information for subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability operates through a simple attack vector requiring only basic web request capabilities, making it particularly dangerous due to its accessibility and the sensitive nature of the information exposed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage this information to craft targeted attacks against the specific server configuration, potentially identifying the operating system, web server software, and other system components. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) by providing attackers with critical reconnaissance data. The exposure of the installation path may also facilitate attacks against other components within the same directory structure, potentially leading to further privilege escalation or data compromise scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3805 should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms and restricting direct access to sensitive application files. System administrators should configure web server permissions to prevent direct access to php files in sensitive directories, particularly those containing language or configuration files. The application should be updated to properly handle error conditions without exposing system paths, implementing generic error messages that do not reveal internal system information. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control measures can prevent unauthorized direct file access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious file access patterns, while regular security audits should verify that no sensitive information is exposed through error messages. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that error handling functions properly without revealing installation paths or other system information that could aid attackers in their exploitation efforts.