CVE-2002-0943 in MetaCart2.sql
Summary
by MITRE
MetaCart2.sql stores the user database under the web document root without access controls, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers via a direct request for metacart.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2019
This vulnerability exists in the MetaCart2 e-commerce software where the user database file metacart.mdb is stored in the web document root directory without proper access controls or authentication mechanisms. The flaw represents a critical misconfiguration that exposes sensitive user data to unauthorized remote access. The database file contains personally identifiable information including user credentials and financial data such as credit card numbers, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user accounts and financial information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper file placement and access control configuration within the web application's directory structure. When database files are stored in publicly accessible web directories, they become vulnerable to direct HTTP requests from remote attackers who can simply navigate to the file path and download the database contents. This issue directly maps to CWE-22 known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" and CWE-200 "Information Exposure" as it exposes sensitive data without adequate protection mechanisms. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file access and can be exploited through simple URL manipulation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can directly access the metacart.mdb database file through HTTP requests, potentially compromising thousands of user accounts simultaneously. The exposure of password hashes and credit card information creates significant risk for both the organization and its customers. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 "External Remote Services" as it exploits publicly accessible web services to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The attack surface is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or specialized tools beyond basic web browsing capabilities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation of the file access control configuration. The database file must be moved outside the web document root directory and access controls must be implemented to prevent direct HTTP access to sensitive files. Organizations should implement proper input validation and file access controls to prevent path traversal attacks. Security measures should include restricting file permissions, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security audits of web application directories. Additionally, organizations should establish proper data protection policies and ensure compliance with relevant security standards such as pci dss for handling sensitive financial information. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper security configuration management and access control implementation in web applications.