CVE-2003-0013 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
The default .htaccess scripts for Bugzilla 2.14.x before 2.14.5, 2.16.x before 2.16.2, and 2.17.x before 2.17.3 do not include filenames for backup copies of the localconfig file that are made from editors such as vi and Emacs, which could allow remote attackers to obtain a database password by directly accessing the backup file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0013 represents a critical configuration flaw in Bugzilla versions prior to specific patch releases, exposing sensitive database credentials through improperly managed backup files. This issue stems from the default .htaccess configuration scripts that fail to properly restrict access to backup copies of the localconfig file, which contains the database password and other critical system information. The vulnerability affects Bugzilla versions 2.14.x before 2.14.5, 2.16.x before 2.16.2, and 2.17.x before 2.17.3, indicating a widespread problem within the software's configuration management approach. The flaw specifically targets the backup file naming convention used by text editors such as vi and Emacs, which automatically create backup files with names ending in a tilde character, making them accessible via web requests.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves remote attackers directly accessing backup files through web server requests, bypassing normal access controls that would typically prevent direct file access to sensitive configuration data. When editors like vi create backup files, they generate copies with names such as localconfig~ or .localconfig~ which are inadvertently left accessible through the web server's document root. This misconfiguration creates an attack surface where any user with access to the web server can directly request these backup files, thereby obtaining the database password and potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability operates under the principle of insecure configuration management, where default settings fail to properly secure sensitive data, creating a direct path for credential exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with immediate access to database credentials that can be used for unauthorized database access, data exfiltration, and potential system compromise. Once an attacker obtains the database password, they can perform read and write operations on the Bugzilla database, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized user creation, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability also enables lateral movement within networks where Bugzilla is deployed, as database credentials often provide access to other systems that may share the same database user accounts. This type of vulnerability directly relates to attack techniques documented in the attack pattern taxonomy, specifically targeting the exploitation of insecure configurations and credential exposure through web-accessible backup files.
The security implications extend beyond immediate database access, as this vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in software configuration management and access control implementation. Organizations using affected Bugzilla versions face significant risk of data breaches and compliance violations, particularly in regulated environments where database credentials must be properly secured. The vulnerability aligns with common weakness enumerations such as CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and CWE-255, which covers credential management issues. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected Bugzilla installations, implementation of proper .htaccess restrictions to prevent access to backup files, and comprehensive security configuration reviews to ensure no other sensitive files are inadvertently exposed through web server access controls.
The remediation process requires administrators to update to the patched versions of Bugzilla that address this specific configuration issue, ensuring that backup files are properly secured and inaccessible through web requests. Additionally, system administrators should implement proper access controls in .htaccess files to prevent direct access to backup files, and conduct regular security audits to identify and remediate similar configuration vulnerabilities across all web applications. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper security configuration management and the potential consequences of default settings that fail to adequately protect sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools to identify similar issues in their web applications and establish secure configuration baselines that prevent such exposure scenarios from occurring in the first place.