CVE-2002-1449 in eUpload
Summary
by MITRE
eUpload 1.0 stores the password.txt password file in plaintext under the web document root, which allows remote attackers to overwrite arbitrary files by reading password.txt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1449 represents a critical security flaw in the eUpload 1.0 web application that exposes sensitive authentication credentials in an insecure manner. This vulnerability stems from poor security practices in how the application handles password storage and file access controls. The password.txt file containing authentication credentials is stored in plaintext format directly within the web document root directory, making it immediately accessible to any remote attacker who can browse the web server's filesystem. This configuration violates fundamental security principles regarding credential storage and access control, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for unauthorized system access.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability manifests as a combination of insecure credential storage and improper file access controls. When the password.txt file is placed within the web document root, it becomes accessible through standard HTTP requests without any authentication requirements. Remote attackers can simply request this file through a web browser or automated tools to retrieve the plaintext passwords. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows not just credential theft but also arbitrary file overwrite capabilities. Once an attacker obtains the password file, they can potentially use the credentials to access other system resources or manipulate the application's functionality through the file overwrite mechanism mentioned in the description.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any system running eUpload 1.0. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains immediate access to the application's administrative functions and can potentially compromise the entire web server or underlying system. The plaintext storage of passwords violates security best practices and makes the system vulnerable to credential replay attacks, where stolen credentials can be used immediately without any additional cracking or reverse engineering. This vulnerability also enables attackers to escalate their privileges within the application and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure, especially if the same credentials are used across multiple systems.
This vulnerability aligns with several CWE categories including CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) as it exposes authentication credentials in an insecure manner and fails to properly authenticate users. The attack pattern follows typical techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566 (Phishing) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) where attackers exploit weak credential storage to gain unauthorized access. Organizations should implement proper file access controls by ensuring sensitive configuration files are stored outside the web document root and are protected by appropriate access controls. Additionally, the system should employ encrypted credential storage mechanisms, implement proper authentication protocols, and regularly audit file permissions to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate action to relocate the password.txt file outside the web-accessible directory structure and implement proper file permissions. System administrators should ensure that no sensitive files containing authentication credentials are stored in directories that are publicly accessible via HTTP requests. The application should be updated to use secure credential storage mechanisms such as encrypted password files or database-based authentication systems. Regular security audits should verify that no sensitive files are inadvertently placed in web-accessible directories, and proper intrusion detection systems should monitor for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and proper security architecture principles when developing web applications.