CVE-2011-3807 in Textpattern
Summary
by MITRE
Textpattern 4.2.0 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 lib/txplib_db.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3807 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Textpattern CMS version 4.2.0. This weakness allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information through direct requests to specific php files within the application's directory structure. The vulnerability specifically manifests when certain files such as lib/txplib_db.php are accessed directly, causing the application to display installation path information in error messages that should remain hidden from external users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper error handling mechanisms within the Textpattern CMS framework. When a user or attacker directly accesses php files without proper authentication or validation, the system fails to sanitize error messages appropriately, resulting in the exposure of the server's file system paths. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses the improper handling of exceptions and error messages that reveal sensitive information about the system's internal structure. The flaw demonstrates poor security design practices where the application does not implement adequate input validation or access control measures to prevent unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can provide attackers with crucial information for subsequent exploitation attempts. Knowledge of the exact file system structure enables malicious actors to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to further information disclosure, directory traversal vulnerabilities, or even remote code execution depending on the server configuration. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using older versions of Textpattern CMS, as the flaw existed in the 4.2.0 release and was likely addressed in subsequent updates. The exposure of system paths also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing information leakage and inadequate error handling practices that can significantly aid attackers in their reconnaissance phase.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of the Textpattern CMS to the latest available version that addresses this specific flaw. Organizations should implement proper access controls and ensure that all php files within the application directory are protected from direct access through web server configuration settings. The implementation of .htaccess rules or similar access control mechanisms can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files while maintaining proper application functionality. Additionally, comprehensive security auditing of the application should include verification of error handling mechanisms to ensure that sensitive system information is never exposed in error messages. This vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and proper error management as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's initial access and credential access categories, where information disclosure serves as a foundational step for more sophisticated attacks.