CVE-2003-1383 in WEB-ERP
Summary
by MITRE
WEB-ERP 0.1.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an HTTP request for the logicworks.ini file, which contains the MySQL database username and password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1383 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within WEB-ERP version 0.1.4 and earlier systems. This weakness stems from improper access controls and insecure configuration practices that expose sensitive authentication credentials to unauthorized remote actors. The vulnerability specifically affects the web-based enterprise resource planning software where the logicworks.ini configuration file contains database connection parameters including MySQL username and password in plaintext format. This represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management that violates core cybersecurity principles.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through simple HTTP requests that target the logicworks.ini file, which is typically stored in a publicly accessible directory within the web application's file structure. This misconfiguration allows attackers to directly retrieve the configuration file without authentication or authorization, thereby obtaining database credentials that can be used to establish unauthorized database connections. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and inadequate file access controls that permit arbitrary file access to sensitive system configuration files. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-540 (Inclusion of Sensitive Information in Source Code) categories, representing classic examples of insecure file handling and credential exposure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential full system compromise and data breaches. Once attackers obtain the database credentials, they can access, modify, or exfiltrate sensitive business data stored within the MySQL database. This includes financial records, customer information, employee data, and other proprietary business assets that may be subject to regulatory compliance requirements under frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, or pci dss. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the configuration file is properly secured or the application is upgraded to a patched version. Attackers can leverage these credentials to perform lateral movement within the network, escalate privileges, and maintain persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. The most direct solution involves restricting access to sensitive configuration files through proper web server configuration, ensuring that files containing database credentials are not accessible via HTTP requests. This includes implementing proper directory permissions, configuring web server access controls, and removing or renaming sensitive configuration files from web-accessible directories. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to these configuration files and that database credentials are stored in encrypted formats rather than plaintext. Additional protective measures include regular security assessments, implementation of web application firewalls, and establishment of automated monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and configuration management, aligning with security frameworks such as the mitre attack framework where such information disclosure techniques are categorized under initial access and credential access tactics.