CVE-2011-3815 in WeBid
Summary
by MITRE
WeBid 1.0.0 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 js/calendar.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
CVE-2011-3815 represents a sensitive information disclosure vulnerability affecting WeBid 1.0.0, a web-based auction platform. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and sensitive data exposure, which aligns with CWE-209, "Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information." The flaw occurs when attackers can directly access php files within the application's directory structure, specifically targeting files such as js/calendar.php and similar components. When these files are accessed without proper authentication or validation, they generate error messages that inadvertently expose the server's file system path where the application is installed. This type of information disclosure provides attackers with critical system details that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's input validation and error handling mechanisms. When the application encounters a request to a php file that cannot be properly processed or lacks required parameters, it fails to implement proper error suppression or sanitization. Instead, it returns verbose error messages containing the absolute file path, which serves as a golden signal for attackers to understand the application's deployment structure. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require authentication or specific privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can guess or discover the application's file structure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations deploying WeBid 1.0.0 systems. The exposure of installation paths provides attackers with crucial information needed for advanced exploitation techniques, including path traversal attacks, local file inclusion vulnerabilities, and system reconnaissance. The disclosure of the full path allows attackers to map the application's directory structure, identify potential weak points in the file system permissions, and plan more sophisticated attacks. This information can also be used to identify the operating system and web server configuration, as path structures often reveal specific server implementations. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving reconnaissance and credential access, specifically T1213.002 for External Remote Services and T1083 for File and Directory Discovery.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a foundation for more serious exploitation attempts. Once the installation path is known, attackers can potentially identify other sensitive files, determine the application's version, and understand the overall system architecture. This information can be combined with other reconnaissance techniques to identify additional vulnerabilities within the same system. Organizations should consider implementing proper error handling procedures that suppress detailed path information in error messages, implement input validation to prevent direct file access, and employ proper access controls to restrict unauthorized file access. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and secure coding guidelines that prevent sensitive information from being exposed through error messages. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure that error handling mechanisms properly sanitize output to prevent information leakage.