CVE-2011-3811 in TomatoCart
Summary
by MITRE
TomatoCart 1.1.3 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 templates/system/offline.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3811 affects TomatoCart version 1.1.3, a content management system designed for e-commerce platforms. This flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly handle error conditions, inadvertently exposing sensitive system details to unauthorized users. The vulnerability specifically manifests when remote attackers can directly access php files within the application's directory structure, leading to the revelation of the installation path through error messages generated by the system.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the application's insufficient error handling procedures during file access operations. When a user attempts to access certain php files directly, particularly those located in the templates/system directory such as offline.php, the system generates error messages that contain the full server path where TomatoCart is installed. This occurs because the application does not implement proper input validation or error suppression mechanisms that would prevent sensitive path information from being exposed to external parties. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to gain knowledge of the server's file structure, which can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be leveraged for subsequent exploitation attempts. The revealed installation path can be used to understand the application's directory structure, potentially enabling attackers to identify other files or directories that may contain sensitive information. This information disclosure can facilitate directory traversal attacks, help attackers determine the exact version of the software in use, and provide insights into the overall system architecture. The vulnerability essentially creates a foothold for more advanced reconnaissance activities that could lead to complete system compromise.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a reconnaissance technique under the information gathering phase, specifically targeting the discovery of system information. Organizations using affected versions of TomatoCart should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates, as the vulnerability does not require authentication or special privileges to exploit. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing proper error handling procedures, suppressing detailed error messages in production environments, and ensuring that sensitive system information is not exposed through error responses. Additionally, web application firewalls and security monitoring systems should be configured to detect and block direct access attempts to system files, providing an additional layer of defense against this type of information disclosure attack.