CVE-2004-0702 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
DBI in Bugzilla 2.17.1 through 2.17.7 displays the database password in an error message when the SQL server is not running, which could allow remote attackers to gain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0702 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within the Bugzilla bug tracking system version 2.17.1 through 2.17.7. This issue manifests when the database server becomes unreachable or unavailable, causing the DBI (Database Interface) component to expose the database password directly within error messages. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in error handling and security design practices, where sensitive authentication credentials are inadvertently revealed to unauthorized parties during system failures. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by providing attackers with readily accessible database credentials that could be used for unauthorized access to the underlying database system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper error message handling within the DBI module of Bugzilla's database connectivity layer. When the SQL server becomes unresponsive or unreachable, the system generates an error message that includes the database password in its output. This occurs because the error handling mechanism lacks proper sanitization of sensitive information before displaying error details to users or system logs. The flaw is classified under CWE-209, which addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and represents a classic example of insecure error handling practices that have been consistently identified as a common weakness in software security. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for the entire Bugzilla deployment. Remote attackers who can trigger database connection failures can obtain valid database passwords and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the database. This exposure creates opportunities for data breaches, unauthorized modifications to bug reports, and potential compromise of the entire system. The vulnerability also affects system availability and integrity, as attackers could use the stolen credentials to perform malicious activities such as data exfiltration, database manipulation, or establishing persistence within the system. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly innocuous error conditions can become security incidents when proper information sanitization is not implemented.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including patching to versions beyond 2.17.7 where the error handling has been corrected, implementing proper error message sanitization to prevent credential exposure, and configuring system monitoring to detect and respond to database connection failures. The recommended approach involves modifying the DBI error handling code to suppress sensitive information in error messages, implementing centralized logging with proper access controls, and ensuring that database credentials are stored separately from application code. Security best practices dictate that error messages should never contain sensitive information, aligning with the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Special Publication 800-163. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around database systems can help limit the potential damage from credential exposure, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the system infrastructure.