Composer File Disclosure Scanner

Composer is a dependency management tool widely used in the PHP ecosystem. It helps developers handle libraries and dependencies for their PHP applications. Composer facilitates the installation and update of PHP packages, ensuring that all required libraries are present and compatible with the project. It's popular among developers working on web applications and includes features like autoloading for class files, making development more efficient. Composer's widespread use stems from its ability to manage complex dependencies in projects large and small. It’s a critical tool for modern PHP development environments, significantly streamlining the development process.

File Disclosure vulnerabilities refer to instances where sensitive files are exposed and accessible to unauthorized users. In the context of Composer, a File Disclosure vulnerability can occur if the '.composer-auth.json' file, which may contain sensitive authentication information, becomes publicly accessible. This exposure might lead hackers to exploit the information found within the file to gain unauthorized access to certain resources. File disclosure incidents are often due to misconfigurations or unintended exposure of files intended to be private. These vulnerabilities are critical because they can reveal sensitive configuration details and compromise system security through indirect access via disclosed information.

The vulnerability checked by this scanner looks for the presence of '.composer-auth.json' files that may be exposed publicly. The scanner issues a GET request to potential file locations and looks for specific markers associated with authentication details, such as ‘github-oauth’ and ‘github.com’. A successful match indicates that the file is accessible and potentially discloses sensitive information. The presence of a response with an HTTP 200 status code confirms that the file is indeed exposed. Identifying this vulnerability can help organizations remediate exposed information before malicious actors leverage it for malicious purposes.

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to private repositories or systems through OAuth tokens or other sensitive data contained within the exposed files. Attackers could impersonate legitimate users, gain deeper access to organization’s resources, or perform unauthorized actions. Such breaches could result in data loss, financial harm, and reputational damage for the affected business. The implications of a disclosed file extend beyond direct access to include the potential for cascading failures and increased risk exposure.

REFERENCES:

• https://www.exploit-db.com/ghdb/5768