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 (71022)
The Indian Jeweller (aka com.magzter.indianjeweller) application 3.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The President Clicker (aka com.flexymind.pclicker) application 1.0.4 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Better Homes and Gardens Aus (aka com.pacificmagazines.betterhomesandgardens) application @7F0801B2 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The BASEBALL MANAGER K (aka com.cjenm.yagamkgoogle) application 1.13 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Travel+Leisure (aka com.magzter.travelleisure) application 3.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Mills-Hazel Property Mgmt (aka com.appexpress.millshazelpropertymanagement) application 3.0.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Ultimate Christian Radios (aka com.ngg.ultimatechristianradios) application 1.0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The GIGA HOBBY (aka com.innopage.store.gigahobby) application 1.0.6 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The ibon (aka tw.net.pic.mobi) application 3.2.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Skin&Ink Magazine (aka com.triactivemedia.skinandink) application @7F08017A for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Tiket.com Hotel & Flight (aka com.tiket.gits) application 1.1.2 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The India Today Telugu (aka com.magzter.indiatoday.telugu) application 3.02 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Raven - The Culture Lover (aka com.booksbyraven) application 1.60 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Outdoor Design And Living (aka com.pocketmagsau.outdoordesignandliving) application @7F080181 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Atkins Diet Free Shopping List (aka com.wAtkinsDietFreeShoppingList) application 1.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Terrorizer Magazine (aka com.triactivemedia.terrorizer) application @7F08017A for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The ahtty (aka com.crevation.babylon.ahtty) application 1.97.16 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The DoNotTrackMe - Mobile Privacy (aka com.abine.dnt) application 1.1.8 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Flying Fox (aka com.chillingo.slyfoxfree.android.aja) application 1.0.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Xinhua International (aka org.xinhua.xnews_international) application 5.5.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Eyvah!. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Halftime Magazine (aka com.magzter.halftimemagazine) application 3.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The easaa Baoneng (aka com.easaa.baoneng) application 1.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Corvette Museum (aka com.app_corvettemuseum.layout) application 1.399 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The JusApp!. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Lent Experience (aka com.wLentExperience) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Life Story of Sheikh Mujib (aka com.wbongobondho) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The myfone Shopping (aka com.twm.pt.eccart) application 2.1.01.00.040 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The GzoneRC - The RC Hobby Hub (aka com.wGzoneRC) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Home Improvement (aka com.whomeimprovementapp) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The So. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Razer Comms - Gaming Messenger (aka com.razerzone.comms) application 1.3.07 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Free Canadian Author Previews (aka com.booksellerscanada.authorpreview) application 1.0.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The GR8!. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The VMware vForums 2014 (aka com.coreapps.android.followme.vmwarevforums) application 6.0.9.4 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Scudetto (aka com.scudetto) application 2.7 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Home Made Air Freshener (aka com.wHomeMadeAirFreshener) application 1.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The TicketOne.it (aka it.ticketone.mobile.app.Android) application 2.2 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Tekno Apsis (aka com.teknoapsis) application 2.4 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Motor Town: Machine Soul Free (aka com.alawar.motortownfree) application 1.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Ads Free. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Coca-Cola FM Honduras (aka com.enyetech.radio.coca_cola.fm_hn) application 2.0.41725 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The American Waterfowler (aka com.magazinecloner.americanwaterfowler) application @7F0801AA for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Bilingual Magic Ball Relajo (aka com.wBilingualMagicBallRelajo) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Right to the Nitty Gritty (aka com.wGoNittyGritty) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Masquito Blogger (aka com.wmasquito) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Gent Magazine (aka com.magzter.thegentmagazine) application 3.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The ExpeditersOnline.com Forum (aka com.quoord.tapatalkeo.activity) application 3.7.13 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Indian Management (aka com.magzter.indianmanagement) application 3.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Dresden Transport Museum (aka de.appack.project.vmd) application 2.2 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Magicam Photo Magic Editor (aka mobi.magicam.editor) application 5.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The JJA- Juvenile Justice Act 1986 (aka com.felix.jja) application 1.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Classic Car Buyer (aka com.magazinecloner.carbuyer) application @7F08017A for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The SMARTalk (aka jp.co.fusioncom.smartalk.android) application 1.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The BOOKING DISCOUNT (aka com.wmygoodhotelscom) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The EMT-Paramedic Lite (aka com.wEMTparamedicLite) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Go MSX MLS (aka com.doapps.android.realestate.RE_16b9c09c4d5b0e174208f35e7c49f9a0) application 2.3.4.MR3 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The C.R. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Pegasus Airlines (aka com.wPegasusAirlines) application 0.84.13503.96707 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Hotel Room (aka com.wHotelRoom) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Fabuestereo 88.1 FM (aka com.nobexinc.wls_27892411.rc) application 3.2.3 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The United Hawk Nation (aka com.united12thman) application 2.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Adopt O Pet (aka com.wFindAPet) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Dino Zoo (aka com.tappocket.dinozoostar) application 1.5 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The news revolution - bahrain (aka com.news.revolution.BH) application 3.2 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Villa Antonia (aka com.appbuilder.u7p5019) application 1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Fling Gold (aka com.mbgames.fling.gold) application 1.1.3 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Yulman Stadium (aka com.dub.app.tulanestadium) application 1.4.25 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Acorn Comms (aka com.acorncomms.app) application 3.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Brisbane & Queensland Alert (aka com.queensland.alert) application 2.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Clean Internet Browser (aka com.cleantab.browsesecure) application 1.36 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Crossmo Calendar (aka com.crossmo.calendar) application 1.7.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Kakao Bingo Garden (aka com.mocoga.bingogarden) application 1.0.14 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Bond Trading (aka com.appmakr.app613309) application 197705 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The migme (aka com.projectgoth) application 4.03.002 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Indian Cement Review (aka com.magzter.indiancementreview) application 3.01 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Harivijay (aka com.upasanhar.marathi.harivijay) application 4.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Touriosity Travelmag (aka com.magzter.touriositytravelmag) application 3.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Parque Imperial (aka com.a792139893520606f84b2188a.a23428594a) application 1.02 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Herpin Time Radio (aka com.herpin.time.radio) application 2.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The MyMetro (aka com.myrippleapps.mymetro) application 2.4.7 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The uControl Smart Home Automation (aka de.ucontrol) application 1.2 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The CT iHub (aka com.concursive.ctihub) application 1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Nano Digest (aka com.magzter.nanodigest) application 3.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Diabetic Diet Guide (aka com.wDiabeticDietGuide) application 2.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The BattleFriends at Sea GOLD (aka com.tequilamobile.warshipslivegold) application 1.1.0 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Joint Radio Blues (aka com.nobexinc.wls_69685189.rc) application 3.2.3 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The CPWORLD Close Protection World (aka com.tapatalk.closeprotectionworldcom) application 3.4.4 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
The Conrad Hotel (aka com.wConradHotel) application 0.1 for Android does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Zarafa WebAccess 4.1 and WebApp uses world-readable permissions for the files in their tmp directory, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading temporary session data. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.