CVE-2012-3354 in DokuWiki
Summary
by MITRE
doku.php in DokuWiki, as used in Fedora 16, 17, and 18, when certain PHP error levels are set, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via the prefix parameter, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3354 affects DokuWiki versions distributed with Fedora 16, 17, and 18, specifically targeting the doku.php script that handles various wiki operations. This issue stems from improper error handling mechanisms within the application's PHP implementation, creating a sensitive information disclosure weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability manifests when specific PHP error levels are configured, allowing malicious actors to manipulate input parameters and extract critical system information through error messages generated by the web application.
The technical flaw resides in how DokuWiki processes the prefix parameter within the doku.php file, where insufficient input validation and sanitization permits attackers to inject malicious payloads that trigger PHP error conditions. When these error conditions occur, the application inadvertently reveals the complete installation path of the DokuWiki instance in the error output, which constitutes a path disclosure vulnerability. This type of information exposure can be categorized under CWE-209, which specifically addresses error message information exposure, and falls within the broader category of CWE-200 for information disclosure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file system structure, including absolute paths that can be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as critical intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks against the target system. Attackers can use the disclosed path information to craft targeted attacks against specific file locations, potentially leading to directory traversal, local file inclusion, or other path-based vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where DokuWiki is installed in non-standard locations or where the installation path contains sensitive information about the system configuration. This weakness can be exploited as part of a reconnaissance phase within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1083 discovery technique, where adversaries gather information about the target system's file structure and directory layout.
The attack vector for CVE-2012-3354 is straightforward and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the target web application. Attackers simply need to manipulate the prefix parameter in the doku.php script to trigger the error condition and extract the installation path from the error message response. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper error handling and input validation in web applications, as it illustrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can lead to significant security implications. Organizations should consider implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive information disclosure and ensure that error messages do not reveal system paths or internal application details. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper PHP configuration, particularly regarding error reporting levels, as the issue is specifically triggered when certain PHP error levels are enabled. Security practitioners should implement comprehensive input validation, proper error handling, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments.