Information Disclosure
Information disclosure occurs when an application unintentionally exposes sensitive data that aids attackers in reconnaissance or directly compromises security.
How It Works
Information disclosure occurs when an application unintentionally exposes sensitive data that aids attackers in reconnaissance or directly compromises security. This happens through multiple channels: verbose error messages that display stack traces revealing internal paths and frameworks, improperly secured debug endpoints left active in production, and misconfigured servers that expose directory listings or version control artifacts like .git folders. APIs often leak excessive data in responses—returning full user objects when only a name is needed, or revealing system internals through metadata fields.
Attackers exploit these exposures systematically. They probe for common sensitive files (.env, config.php, backup archives), trigger error conditions to extract framework details, and analyze response timing or content differences to enumerate valid usernames or resources. Even subtle variations—like "invalid password" versus "user not found"—enable account enumeration. Exposed configuration files frequently contain database credentials, API keys, or internal service URLs that unlock further attack vectors.
The attack flow typically starts with passive reconnaissance: examining HTTP headers, JavaScript bundles, and public endpoints for version information and architecture clues. Active probing follows—testing predictable paths, manipulating parameters to trigger exceptions, and comparing responses across similar requests to identify information leakage patterns.
Impact
- Credential compromise: Exposed configuration files, hardcoded secrets in source code, or API keys enable direct authentication bypass
- Attack surface mapping: Stack traces, framework versions, and internal paths help attackers craft targeted exploits for known vulnerabilities
- Data breach: Direct exposure of user data, payment information, or proprietary business logic through oversharing APIs or accessible backups
- Privilege escalation pathway: Internal URLs, service discovery information, and architecture details facilitate lateral movement and SSRF attacks
- Compliance violations: GDPR, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA penalties for exposing regulated data through preventable disclosures
Real-World Examples
A major Git repository exposure affected thousands of websites when .git folders remained accessible on production servers, allowing attackers to reconstruct entire source code histories including deleted commits containing credentials. Tools like GitDumper automated mass exploitation of this misconfiguration.
Cloud storage misconfigurations have repeatedly exposed sensitive data when companies left S3 buckets or Azure Blob containers publicly readable. One incident exposed 150 million voter records because verbose API error messages revealed the storage URL structure, and no authentication was required.
Framework debug modes left enabled in production have caused numerous breaches. Django's DEBUG=True setting exposed complete stack traces with database queries and environment variables, while Laravel's debug pages revealed encryption keys through the APP_KEY variable in environment dumps.
Mitigation
- Generic error pages: Return uniform error messages to users; log detailed exceptions server-side only
- Disable debug modes: Enforce production configurations that suppress stack traces, verbose logging, and debug endpoints through deployment automation
- Access control audits: Restrict or remove development artifacts (
.git, backup files,phpinfo()) and internal endpoints before deployment - Response minimization: API responses should return only necessary fields; implement allowlists rather than blocklists for data exposure
- Security headers: Deploy
X-Content-Type-Options, remove server version banners, and disable directory indexing - Timing consistency: Ensure authentication and validation responses take uniform time regardless of input validity
Recent CVEs (68895)
An issue in Archive v3.3.7 allows attackers to spoof zip filenames which can lead to inconsistent filename parsing. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
RestrictedPython is a restricted execution environment for Python to run untrusted code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
borgbackup is an opensource, deduplicating archiver with compression and authenticated encryption. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7).
A vulnerability in Cisco Emergency Responder, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (Unified CM), Cisco Unified Communications Manager Session Management Edition (Unified CM SME), and Cisco Unity. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The All Users Messenger WordPress plugin through 1.24 does not prevent non-administrator users from deleting messages from the all-users messenger. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions before 16.2.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An HTTP Request Tunneling vulnerability found in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows for versions May 2023 Patch 3 and earlier, February 2023 Patch 7 and earlier, November 2022 Patch 10 and earlier,. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
KNX devices that use KNX Connection Authorization and support Option 1 are, depending on the implementation, vulnerable to being locked and users being unable to reset them to gain access to the. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A pass-back vulnerability exists where an authenticated, remote attacker with administrator privileges could uncover stored SMTP credentials within the Nessus application.6.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
goauthentik is an open-source Identity Provider. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
OpenPGP.js is a JavaScript implementation of the OpenPGP protocol. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the lookup_sequence function of ZBar 0.23.90. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A heap-based buffer overflow exists in the qr_reader_match_centers function of ZBar 0.23.90. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
On affected platforms running Arista EOS with mirroring to multiple destinations configured, an internal system error may trigger a kernel panic and cause system reload. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Nokia Service Router Operating System (SR OS) 22.10 and SR Linux, when error-handling update-fault-tolerance is not enabled, mishandle BGP path attributes. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In OpenBGPD before 8.1, incorrect handling of BGP update data (length of path attributes) set by a potentially distant remote actor may cause the system to incorrectly reset a session. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Due to lack of a security policy, the WARP Mobile Client (<=6.29) for Android was susceptible to this vulnerability which allowed a malicious app installed on a victim's device to exploit a. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Cerebrate 1.14, a vulnerability in UserSettingsController allows authenticated users to change user settings of other users. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
An issue was discovered in FRRouting FRR through 9.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability could allow attackers to read data from memory outside the intended buffer boundaries.
An issue was discovered in FRRouting FRR through 9.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability could allow attackers to read data from memory outside the intended buffer boundaries.
Insufficient Logging vulnerability in Hitachi HiRDB Server, HiRDB Server With Addtional Function, HiRDB Structured Data Access Facility. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A memory leak flaw was found in nft_set_catchall_flush in net/netfilter/nf_tables_api.c in the Linux Kernel. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
An issue was discovered in TechView LA-5570 Wireless Gateway 1.0.19_T53, allows physical attackers to gain escalated privileges via a telnet connection. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Spinnaker is an open source, multi-cloud continuous delivery platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
GitPython is a python library used to interact with Git repositories. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in in PHPJabbers Make an Offer Widget v1.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in in PHPJabbers Ticket Support Script v3.2. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHPJabbers Event Booking Calendar v4.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHP Jabbers Car Rental Script v3.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHPJabbers Taxi Booking Script v2.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHPJabbers Fundraising Script v1.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHPJabbers Yacht Listing Script v2.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHP Jabbers Hotel Booking System v4.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHP Jabbers Restaurant Booking Script v3.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHPJabbers Document Creator v1.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHPJabbers Food Delivery Script v3.1. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User enumeration is found in PHPJabbers Callback Widget v1.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In PHPJabbers Car Rental Script 3.0, lack of verification when changing an email address and/or password (on the Profile Page) allows remote attackers to take over accounts. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Sliver from v1.5.x to v1.5.39 has an improper cryptographic implementation, which allows attackers to execute a man-in-the-middle attack via intercepted and crafted responses. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Apache Airflow Sqoop Provider, versions before 4.0.0, is affected by a vulnerability that allows an attacker pass parameters with the connections, which makes it possible to implement RCE attacks via. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Improper Authorization of Index Containing Sensitive Information in GitHub repository omeka/omeka-s prior to 4.0.4. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
IBM Security Guardium Data Encryption (IBM Guardium Cloud Key Manager (GCKM) 1.10.3)) could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information when a detailed technical error message is returned. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
IBM Security Guardium Data Encryption (IBM Guardium Cloud Key Manager (GCKM) 1.10.3)) uses an inadequate account lockout setting that could allow a remote attacker to brute force account credentials. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
IBM InfoSphere Information Systems 11.7 could expose information about the host system and environment configuration. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Exposure of Sensitive Information vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive data that should not be disclosed.
IBM Storage Copy Data Management 2.2.0.0 through 2.2.19.0 uses weaker than expected cryptographic algorithms that could allow an attacker to decrypt highly sensitive information. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability was found in Byzoro Smart S85F Management Platform up to 20230809. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
A vulnerability in the Connect Mobility Router component of MiVoice Connect through 9.6.2304.102 could allow an authenticated attacker with elevated privileges to conduct an information disclosure. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the Edge Gateway component of Mitel MiVoice Connect through R19.3 SP3 (22.24.5800.0) could allow an authenticated attacker with elevated privileges to conduct an information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the Connect Mobility Router component of Mitel MiVoice Connect through 9.6.2208.101 could allow an unauthenticated attacker to conduct an account enumeration attack due to improper. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in TechView LA-5570 Wireless Gateway 1.0.19_T53, allows attackers to gain sensitive information via /config/system.conf. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Freighter is a Stellar chrome extension. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Exposure of Sensitive Information vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive data that should not be disclosed.
ArcGIS Enterprise Server versions 11.0 and below have an information disclosure vulnerability where a remote, unauthorized attacker may submit a crafted query that may result in a low severity. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mattermost fails to restrict which parameters' values it takes from the request during signup allowing an attacker to register users as inactive, thus blocking them from later accessing Mattermost. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Out-of-bounds read issue in M-Files Server versions below 23.8.12892.6 and LTS Service Release Versions before 23.2 LTS SR3 allows unauthenticated user to read restricted amount of bytes from memory. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
e-Excellence U-Office Force generates an error message in webiste service. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Datasette is an open source multi-tool for exploring and publishing data. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An issue was discovered in Python before 3.8.18, 3.9.x before 3.9.18, 3.10.x before 3.10.13, and 3.11.x before 3.11.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Silverware Games is a premium social network where people can play games online. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Silverware Games is a premium social network where people can play games online. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Cloud Explorer Lite is an open source cloud management platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Netmaker makes networks with WireGuard. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 86.6%.
A remote unprivileged attacker can intercept the communication via e.g. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
The LMS5xx uses weak hash generation methods, resulting in the creation of insecure hashs. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) port is open by default in the SNAP PAC S1 Firmware version R10.3b. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There are no requirements for setting a complex password in the built-in web server of the SNAP PAC S1 Firmware version R10.3b, which could allow for a successful brute force attack if users don't. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There is no limit on the number of login attempts in the web server for the SNAP PAC S1 Firmware version R10.3b. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An insufficient entropy vulnerability has been reported to affect QNAP operating systems. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A cleartext transmission of sensitive information vulnerability has been reported to affect QNAP operating systems. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An inadequate encryption strength vulnerability has been reported to affect QNAP operating systems. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM AIX 7.2, 7.3, VIOS 3.1's OpenSSH implementation could allow a non-privileged local user to access files outside of those allowed due to improper access controls. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The vulnerability exists in CP-Plus NVR due to an improper input handling at the web-based management interface of the affected product. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Exposure of Sensitive Information vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive data that should not be disclosed.
A vulnerability has been identified in ioLogik 4000 Series (ioLogik E4200) firmware versions v1.6 and prior, which has the potential to facilitate the collection of information on ioLogik 4000 Series. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The vulnerability exists in CP-Plus DVR due to an improper input validation within the web-based management interface of the affected products. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ETIC Telecom RAS versions 4.7.0 and prior the web management portal authentication disabled by default. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Walchem Intuition 9 firmware versions prior to v4.21 are missing authentication for some of the API routes of the management web server. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Node-SAML is a SAML library not dependent on any frameworks that runs in Node. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco FXOS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker to create a file or overwrite any file on the filesystem of an affected device, including system files. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the SFTP server implementation for Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches and 9000 Series Switches in standalone NX-OS mode could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to download or. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The session fixation vulnerability allowed the authenticated user to continue accessing Airflow webserver even after the password of the user has been reset by the admin - up until the expiry of the. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Apache Airflow SMTP Provider before 1.3.0, Apache Airflow IMAP Provider before 3.3.0, and Apache Airflow before 2.7.0 are affected by the Validation of OpenSSL Certificate vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Apache Airflow, in versions prior to 2.7.0, contains a security vulnerability that can be exploited by an authenticated user possessing Connection edit privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Exposure of Sensitive Information vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive data that should not be disclosed.
If the MongoDB Server running on Windows or macOS is configured to use TLS with a specific set of configuration options that are already known to work securely in other platforms (e.g. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
A flaw was found in ghostscript. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Python 3.11 through 3.11.4. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
libvmod-digest before 1.0.3, as used in Varnish Enterprise 6.0.x before 6.0.11r5, has an out-of-bounds memory access during base64 decoding, leading to both authentication bypass and information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Buffer Overflow vulnerability could allow attackers to corrupt memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability in Hitachi EH-VIEW (Designer) allows local attackers to potentially disclose information on affected EH-VIEW installations. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer vulnerability in Hitachi EH-VIEW (KeypadDesigner) allows local attackers to potentially. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Out of bounds memory access in Fonts in Google Chrome prior to 116.0.5845.110 allowed a remote attacker to perform an out of bounds memory read via a crafted HTML page. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.