CVE-2004-0697 in WebSTAR
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in 4D WebSTAR 5.3.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to read the php.ini configuration file and possibly obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0697 affects 4D WebSTAR version 5.3.2 and earlier implementations, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that enables remote attackers to access sensitive php.ini configuration files. This vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls and file system permissions within the web server implementation, allowing unauthorized users to retrieve configuration data that typically should remain restricted to system administrators and developers. The php.ini file contains crucial runtime configuration settings for php applications, including security directives, system paths, and potentially sensitive parameter values that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the 4D WebSTAR web server framework. The flaw likely exists in how the server handles file requests or directory traversal operations, potentially allowing attackers to bypass normal access restrictions through crafted requests or by exploiting path manipulation techniques. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. Attackers could leverage this weakness to access not only the php.ini file but potentially other sensitive configuration files or system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the php.ini configuration file often contains sensitive parameters such as database connection strings, encryption keys, or system paths that could facilitate additional attacks. This information disclosure could enable attackers to understand the underlying system architecture, identify potential attack vectors, and craft more sophisticated exploitation strategies. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where web servers are exposed to external traffic.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader category of information disclosure attacks that can serve as precursors to more serious compromise events. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, where adversaries seek to understand system structures and identify valuable information assets. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of 4D WebSTAR, implementing proper access controls, and restricting file system permissions for configuration files. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security configuration management and regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in web server implementations. Organizations should conduct thorough reviews of their web server configurations and ensure that sensitive files are properly protected through appropriate access controls and file system permissions.