CVE-2012-6515 in eFront
Summary
by MITRE
eFront 3.6.10, 3.6.11 build 15059, and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via invalid courses_ID parameter in the lesson_info module to index.php, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2012-6515 affects eFront learning management systems version 3.6.10, 3.6.11 build 15059, and earlier versions, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability resides within the lesson_info module of the index.php script, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate the courses_ID parameter and trigger error messages containing the system's installation path. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper error handling and input sanitization that violates fundamental security principles.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied input parameters within the lesson_info module. When an invalid courses_ID parameter is submitted to index.php, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it, leading to the generation of detailed error messages that inadvertently reveal the server's file system structure. This type of error handling weakness falls under CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and represents a common pattern in web applications where error messages leak system information without proper sanitization. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain knowledge about the underlying system architecture, which can significantly aid in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6515 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as crucial intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. Knowledge of the system's file structure enables attackers to identify potential attack vectors, locate sensitive configuration files, and understand the application's deployment environment. This information disclosure vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information, and represents a foundational step in the reconnaissance phase of cyber attacks. The exposure of installation paths can facilitate path traversal attacks, directory listing vulnerabilities, and other exploitation techniques that rely on understanding the target system's file structure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms within the affected application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict validation before being processed, with invalid inputs resulting in generic error messages rather than detailed system information. The application should be updated to the latest available version of eFront that addresses this vulnerability, as vendor patches typically include proper sanitization of input parameters and implementation of secure error handling practices. Additionally, network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability by monitoring for suspicious parameter values and error message patterns. Security monitoring should include logging of error conditions and implementation of automated alerting for potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.