CVE-2003-1401 in php-Board
Summary
by MITRE
login.php in php-Board 1.0 stores plaintext passwords in $username.txt with insufficient access control under the web document root, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1401 represents a critical security flaw in the php-Board 1.0 web application that fundamentally compromises user authentication integrity. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the application's file system storage mechanism, creating an exploitable condition that directly violates established security principles for credential management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the insecure storage of plaintext passwords in files named after username identifiers with .txt extensions. These password files are created within the web document root directory structure, making them directly accessible through standard HTTP requests. The flaw occurs because the application fails to implement proper access controls or authentication mechanisms when serving these password files, allowing any remote attacker to directly request these files by their predictable naming convention.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-256, which addresses the storage of passwords in plaintext format, and CWE-200, which covers the exposure of sensitive information. The attack vector operates through simple HTTP GET requests that can be executed by any remote user without requiring authentication or privileged access. The weakness creates an information disclosure condition that exposes user credentials in their most vulnerable form, eliminating any possibility of password protection or account security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with immediate access to user accounts and potential entry points for further system compromise. Since the passwords are stored in plaintext format, attackers can immediately utilize these credentials for unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially escalating privileges or accessing sensitive system resources. The exposure of password files through the web document root creates a persistent threat that remains active until the application is properly secured.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and underlying architectural issues. The primary remediation involves implementing proper access controls that prevent direct file access to sensitive data files, ensuring that password storage locations are not accessible through web requests. Security measures should include configuring web server permissions to restrict access to password files, implementing proper authentication checks before any sensitive data retrieval, and migrating to secure password storage mechanisms using hashing algorithms with salt values. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security reviews of all web applications to identify similar storage vulnerabilities and implement proper input validation and access control mechanisms. The solution must also consider the broader security posture, ensuring that file system permissions are properly configured to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive application data and that all stored credentials are protected through industry-standard cryptographic practices.