CVE-2011-4911 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Joomla! before 1.5.12 does not perform a JEXEC check in unspecified files, which allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4911 affects Joomla framework, creating a pathway for malicious actors to extract sensitive system information through unspecified attack vectors. The flaw specifically relates to the lack of JEXEC validation checks that should normally prevent unauthorized access to internal system components and configuration details.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the failure of Joomla! to enforce proper execution context validation within its core files, allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve installation path information. This type of information disclosure vulnerability typically falls under CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a significant weakness in the application's security architecture. The absence of JEXEC checks indicates a fundamental flaw in the framework's security model where it fails to verify that code execution is occurring within the proper context, enabling attackers to access internal system details through crafted requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the installation path exposure can provide attackers with crucial reconnaissance data for subsequent attacks. Knowledge of the system installation path enables threat actors to better understand the server environment, potentially aiding in the exploitation of additional vulnerabilities through path traversal attacks or by leveraging system-specific weaknesses. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers discovering file and directory permissions, and T1592, which involves reconnaissance through information discovery, making it particularly dangerous in environments where attackers can leverage this information for further compromise.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Joomla installations and ensure comprehensive monitoring for attempts to exploit similar information disclosure vulnerabilities.