CVE-2011-3806 in TCExam
Summary
by MITRE
TCExam 11.1.015 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 public/code/tce_page_footer.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3806 affects TCExam version 11.1.015, a web-based examination system that is widely used for creating and managing online assessments. This security flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system details to unauthorized users. The vulnerability stems from the application's inadequate error handling mechanisms within its PHP code implementation, specifically in the way it processes direct requests to certain PHP files without proper access controls or sanitization measures.
The technical flaw manifests when remote attackers can directly access PHP files within the application's directory structure, particularly targeting files such as public/code/tce_page_footer.php and similar components. When these files are accessed without proper authentication or authorization checks, the application generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the server's installation path and file system structure. This occurs because the application fails to implement proper input validation and error handling procedures that would normally sanitize output or redirect unauthorized access attempts to more appropriate error pages. The vulnerability operates under the principle of insufficient logging and monitoring, which allows attackers to enumerate the application's internal structure through simple HTTP requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond mere information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The revealed installation paths can be used to map the application's directory structure, identify potential weak points in the file system permissions, and facilitate further exploitation attempts. Attackers can use this information to craft more targeted attacks against other components of the system, potentially leading to privilege escalation or full system compromise. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure issues, and represents a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of the examination system's underlying infrastructure.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning for organizations using TCExam for sensitive assessments, as the exposed installation paths could provide attackers with insights into the application's architecture and potentially reveal other security misconfigurations. The attack vector is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to compromise examination systems. Organizations should consider implementing proper access controls, input validation, and error handling mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to internal application components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of information disclosure through improper error handling. Mitigation strategies should include implementing proper file access controls, disabling direct access to PHP files, and configuring the web server to handle error messages without revealing system-specific information. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system infrastructure.