CVE-2014-5094 in Status2k
Summary
by MITRE
Status2k allows remote attackers to obtain configuration information via a phpinfo action in a request to status/index.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5094 resides within the Status2k web application framework, specifically exposing sensitive configuration data through an insecure implementation of the phpinfo function. This flaw represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability that allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to server configuration details that should remain protected. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious request targeting the status/index.php endpoint with a phpinfo action parameter, triggering the execution of the phpinfo function which outputs comprehensive server environment information including installed modules, configuration settings, and potentially sensitive system details.
This technical flaw falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and can be categorized as CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate access control mechanisms within the application's request handling process. When the phpinfo function is executed in response to the crafted request, it reveals detailed server configuration parameters that could include database connection strings, file paths, PHP configuration values, and other system-level information that would typically be restricted to authorized administrators only. The exposure of such information creates significant operational risks as it provides attackers with valuable intelligence for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the ATT&CK framework's reconnaissance phase. Attackers can leverage the leaked configuration information to identify potential attack vectors, understand the server environment, and plan targeted exploitation strategies. The exposure of PHP configuration details may reveal the presence of debug modes, development settings, or other insecure configurations that could be exploited to escalate privileges or access additional system resources. Furthermore, the disclosure of file paths and database connection parameters could enable attackers to perform directory traversal attacks or database injection attempts, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share server resources or where sensitive data is stored.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5094 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable Status2k framework and implementation of proper access controls for administrative endpoints. Organizations should disable or restrict access to phpinfo functions and similar diagnostic utilities in production environments, ensuring that such features are only available to authorized personnel through secure authentication mechanisms. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to administrative endpoints to trusted IP addresses only. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other applications, with particular attention to input validation and output sanitization practices. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious requests targeting known vulnerable endpoints. Organizations should also establish secure coding practices that prevent the accidental exposure of system information through diagnostic functions and ensure that all administrative interfaces require strong authentication and authorization controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data.