CVE-2018-20405 in BigTree
Summary
by MITRE
BigTree 4.3 allows full path disclosure via authenticated admin/news/ input that triggers a syntax error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20405 affects BigTree CMS version 4.3 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that can be exploited by authenticated administrative users. This vulnerability manifests through the admin/news/ input parameter which when manipulated triggers a syntax error in the application's error handling mechanism. The flaw enables attackers to obtain sensitive file path information that could be leveraged for further exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the BigTree CMS administration interface. When an authenticated administrator navigates to the news management section and provides malicious input to the admin/news/ parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before processing it. This results in a syntax error being generated, which inadvertently reveals the full system path where the application is installed. The error handling mechanism in this context is poorly configured to prevent sensitive path information from being exposed to the end user.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations utilizing BigTree CMS version 4.3. The disclosure of full system paths provides attackers with critical information that can be used in subsequent attack vectors including local file inclusion attacks, directory traversal exploits, and privilege escalation attempts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access to the administrative interface, meaning that any user with administrative privileges could potentially exploit this flaw. This creates a scenario where insider threats or compromised administrative accounts could immediately leverage this information for advanced persistent threats.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message" and is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the Credential Access and Defense Evasion techniques. Specifically, this flaw falls under the T1078 credential access technique where attackers can gain unauthorized access to systems through compromised administrative credentials. The path disclosure serves as a reconnaissance tool that enables attackers to map the underlying filesystem structure and identify potential targets for further exploitation.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the latest version of BigTree CMS where this vulnerability has been resolved. Additionally, administrators should review and harden the error handling mechanisms within their applications to ensure that no sensitive system information is exposed during error conditions. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit administrative access to only authorized personnel. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's attack surface. The remediation process should also include monitoring for any suspicious activities related to administrative access and implementing proper logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts.