CVE-2018-18890 in miniCMS
Summary
by MITRE
MiniCMS 1.10 allows full path disclosure via /mc-admin/post.php?state=delete&delete= with an invalid filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2020
MiniCMS version 1.10 contains a critical path disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system information through improper error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability resides within the administrative post management functionality where the application fails to validate user input before processing file deletion requests. When an attacker crafts a malicious request to the mc-admin/post.php endpoint with the state parameter set to delete and provides an invalid filename, the application reveals complete file paths and system directory structures in its error responses. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and error message generation that inadvertently exposes the underlying file system structure to unauthorized parties. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses error messages containing sensitive information, and represents a significant security risk as it provides attackers with detailed knowledge of the server's file system layout. The operational impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as this vulnerability can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks including directory traversal attempts and privilege escalation exploits. Attackers can leverage the disclosed paths to map the server's directory structure, identify potential entry points for further exploitation, and craft targeted attacks against specific system components. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in error handling and input validation, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211 where adversaries use information discovery to gather system details. The path disclosure exposes not only the current working directory but also reveals the complete file path structure of the web application, potentially including system-level directories and configuration files. This information can be particularly dangerous when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the application is running in an environment where sensitive files might be accessible through the disclosed paths. Organizations using MiniCMS 1.10 should immediately implement input validation measures to prevent malformed requests from reaching the error handling layer, while also ensuring that error messages do not contain system-specific information that could aid attackers in their reconnaissance efforts. The fix should involve proper parameter validation, sanitization of user inputs, and implementation of generic error messages that do not disclose sensitive system information. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all application components to identify similar vulnerabilities in error handling mechanisms that could potentially expose system paths and configurations. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling procedures, particularly in administrative interfaces where sensitive operations are performed and where the exposure of system information could significantly compromise overall security posture.