CVE-2019-16176 in LimeSurvey
Summary
by MITRE
A path disclosure vulnerability was found in Limesurvey before 3.17.14 that allows a remote attacker to discover the path to the application in the filesystem.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2023
This vulnerability represents a path disclosure issue in LimeSurvey versions prior to 3.17.14, where remote attackers can obtain sensitive information about the application's filesystem location. The flaw occurs when the application inadvertently reveals directory paths during error handling or normal operation, potentially exposing the complete file system path to unauthorized users. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses information exposure through error messages, and can be categorized as a weak security configuration issue that violates the principle of least privilege. The disclosure of system paths provides attackers with critical reconnaissance information that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability typically involves error messages or debug output that includes absolute file paths, which are often generated when the application encounters issues processing user input or accessing resources. In LimeSurvey's case, the vulnerability likely manifests when the application processes certain HTTP requests or encounters database errors, causing the system to output internal directory structures. This exposure can occur through various vectors including malformed input handling, missing input validation, or improper error reporting mechanisms that do not sanitize output for sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file system structure, including installation directories, configuration files, and potentially sensitive data locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it significantly weakens the overall security posture of the affected system. Attackers who obtain path information can use this knowledge to craft more sophisticated attacks, such as directory traversal exploits, or to identify potential targets for further reconnaissance. The disclosed paths may reveal the exact location of configuration files containing database credentials, application secrets, or other sensitive information that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access. This vulnerability can also enable attackers to bypass certain security controls that rely on path-based access restrictions or to understand the application's architecture better, potentially leading to privilege escalation or data breach scenarios. From an attacker's perspective, this information is often considered valuable reconnaissance data that can accelerate the exploitation process.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling practices that prevent sensitive information disclosure while maintaining application functionality. Organizations should update to LimeSurvey version 3.17.14 or later, which includes patches specifically addressing this path disclosure issue. Additionally, system administrators should implement comprehensive error handling that sanitizes all output for sensitive information, particularly in error messages and debug logs. The implementation of proper input validation and output filtering can prevent the exposure of internal paths, while configuring the application to use generic error messages instead of detailed system information. Security configurations should include disabling debug modes in production environments and implementing logging controls that prevent path information from being recorded in accessible logs. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves the exploitation of system information discovery mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such information disclosure, ensuring that even if path information is obtained, attackers cannot easily escalate privileges or access sensitive resources.