CVE-2013-7431 in Googlemaps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Full path disclosure in the Googlemaps plugin before 3.1 for Joomla!.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2013-7431 represents a critical full path disclosure flaw in the Googlemaps plugin for Joomla installations. The vulnerability specifically affects the Googlemaps plugin component which is widely used for integrating Google Maps functionality into Joomla! websites, making it a significant concern for web administrators and security professionals.
The technical flaw stems from improper error handling within the Googlemaps plugin's code execution flow. When the plugin encounters certain error conditions or invalid input parameters, it fails to sanitize error messages properly before displaying them to end users. This results in the exposure of absolute server paths, file locations, and potentially other sensitive system information that should remain hidden from external parties. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through crafted input parameters or by manipulating the plugin's request handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. Security researchers have noted that full path disclosure vulnerabilities often serve as stepping stones for more sophisticated exploitation techniques, including local file inclusion attacks and privilege escalation attempts. The exposure of server paths can reveal directory structures, file names, and even potential weak points in the application's architecture that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Organizations running vulnerable Joomla! installations should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 3.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, error handling, and security monitoring can help mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and may also map to ATT&CK techniques related to reconnaissance and credential access through information gathering activities. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security headers to further protect against exploitation attempts and reduce the attack surface for similar vulnerabilities.