CVE-2011-3816 in mailing list manager
Summary
by MITRE
WEBinsta mailing list manager 1.3e 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 install/install3.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3816 affects WEBinsta mailing list manager version 1.3e and represents a classic information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This issue arises from inadequate error handling within the application's installation scripts, specifically targeting files such as install/install3.php and related components. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper error handling and sensitive data exposure, which aligns with CWE-209 and CWE-497. When attackers make direct requests to vulnerable php files, the application fails to sanitize error messages properly, resulting in the disclosure of the complete installation path on the server filesystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through simple HTTP requests targeting specific installation files within the WEBinsta application. When these files encounter errors during execution, they generate error messages that inadvertently include the absolute file path where the application is installed on the web server. This path disclosure provides attackers with crucial information about the server's directory structure, which can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and error handling practices that violate fundamental security principles. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1213 (Data from Information Repositories), as it enables adversaries to gather system information that can be used for further reconnaissance activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical system information that can facilitate subsequent attacks. The exposed installation paths can reveal the web server's document root structure, potentially exposing other sensitive files or directories that might be accessible through the same server configuration. This information disclosure can enable attackers to craft more targeted attacks against the application or underlying server infrastructure. Security researchers have noted that such path disclosure vulnerabilities often serve as entry points for attackers to escalate their privileges or discover additional vulnerabilities within the same application or system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or specialized tools to exploit, making it accessible to even novice attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3816 involve implementing proper error handling mechanisms within the application code to prevent sensitive information from being exposed in error messages. Organizations should configure their web applications to suppress detailed error messages in production environments and instead display generic error pages to users. The recommended approach includes modifying the application's error reporting settings to disable the display of file paths and system information in error messages. Additionally, implementing proper access controls for installation files and ensuring they are not accessible from the web root or are properly secured through authentication mechanisms can prevent exploitation. Security practitioners should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities within web applications. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST guidelines for secure coding practices, particularly focusing on proper error handling and input validation to prevent unintended information leakage.