CVE-2018-20631 in Website Seller Script
Summary
by MITRE
PHP Scripts Mall Website Seller Script 2.0.5 allows full Path Disclosure via a request for an arbitrary image URL such as a .png file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20631 affects PHP Scripts Mall Website Seller Script version 2.0.5, exposing a critical path disclosure issue that can be exploited by remote attackers. This flaw manifests when the application processes requests for arbitrary image URLs, particularly .png files, leading to the exposure of sensitive server path information in error messages or response content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling within the script's file processing logic, where user-supplied paths are directly used without proper sanitization or security checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the requested file paths, allowing attackers to manipulate the URL parameters to trigger error responses that reveal the absolute server paths. This type of information disclosure can expose the underlying file system structure including directory paths, file locations, and potentially sensitive configuration details that would otherwise remain hidden from external observers. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication or special privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with detailed information about the server's file system structure, which can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Path disclosure vulnerabilities can enable attackers to identify potential attack vectors, understand the application's architecture, and potentially locate sensitive files or directories that may contain credentials, configuration files, or other confidential information. This information can be leveraged to plan further exploitation attempts including directory traversal attacks or file inclusion vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message" and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1083 for "File and Directory Discovery" as it facilitates reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's file handling logic. Developers should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly validated before being processed, and that error handling routines do not expose sensitive path information. The script should implement proper access controls and file validation to prevent unauthorized access to files outside of intended directories. Additionally, error messages should be generic and not reveal server path information or internal application structure details. Regular security updates and patches should be applied to ensure that known vulnerabilities in third-party scripts are addressed promptly. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation approach should include configuring the web server to suppress detailed error messages and implementing proper directory restrictions to prevent path traversal attacks.