CVE-2003-1213 in MaxWebPortal
Summary
by MITRE
The default installation of MaxWebPortal 1.30 stores the portal database under the web document root with insecure access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to database/db2000.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1213 represents a critical security flaw in the MaxWebPortal 1.30 web application that fundamentally compromises the confidentiality of stored data. This issue stems from improper configuration during the software installation process where the portal database file db2000.mdb is placed within the web document root directory structure. The web document root typically serves as the accessible directory for web content, making any files stored within it potentially reachable through standard HTTP requests. This misconfiguration creates an attack surface that directly violates fundamental security principles of data isolation and access control.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure access control mechanism that fails to implement proper authorization checks for database files. When the database file db2000.mdb is positioned within the web root, it becomes directly accessible to any remote attacker who knows or can guess the file path. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory," which specifically addresses the issue of allowing unauthorized access to files through improper path handling. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient access controls where the application fails to enforce proper authentication and authorization mechanisms for sensitive data storage locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to create significant risks for organizations deploying MaxWebPortal 1.30. Remote attackers can directly retrieve the entire database through simple HTTP requests without requiring any authentication credentials or specialized tools. This exposure allows malicious actors to obtain sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, and potentially business-critical information stored within the portal. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and can lead to data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorized access to privileged information. Organizations using this software face potential regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage when such sensitive data is compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2003-1213 should focus on immediate remediation of the installation configuration and implementation of proper access controls. The primary fix involves moving the database file out of the web document root directory and placing it in a secure, non-web-accessible location. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and proper separation of concerns in web application architecture. Organizations should also implement proper file permissions and access control lists to ensure that only authorized processes can access the database files. Additionally, the implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and configuration management as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's initial access tactics, specifically focusing on credential access and privilege escalation through insecure file permissions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to prevent similar misconfigurations in other applications and systems.