CVE-2004-0706 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
Bugzilla 2.17.5 through 2.17.7 embeds the password in an image URL, which could allow local users to view the password in the web server log files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0706 affects Bugzilla versions 2.17.5 through 2.17.7 where the application improperly handles authentication credentials within image URLs. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that exposes sensitive information to unauthorized parties through server log files. The vulnerability stems from the application's design decision to embed authentication tokens directly within image request URLs rather than utilizing secure session management mechanisms. When users access Bugzilla through web browsers, the application generates image requests that contain password information as URL parameters, creating a persistent exposure risk that extends beyond the immediate user session.
This technical flaw constitutes a direct violation of secure coding practices and represents a weakness in the application's input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The embedded password information in image URLs creates an attack surface that allows local users to access web server log files and extract authentication credentials. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically demonstrates how insecure handling of authentication data can lead to credential compromise. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple log file enumeration techniques, making it particularly dangerous for environments where web server logs are accessible to unauthorized users or where log files are not properly secured.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass broader security implications for the entire Bugzilla deployment. Attackers who gain access to web server logs can extract password information from image URLs, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user accounts and administrative privileges within the Bugzilla system. This exposure creates a persistent risk that remains viable even after the initial user session ends, as log entries containing the embedded credentials remain accessible for extended periods. The vulnerability also impacts the principle of least privilege by allowing local users to access sensitive information that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only, thereby undermining the security posture of the entire application ecosystem.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Bugzilla versions that address this specific flaw, typically versions 2.17.8 and later. The recommended approach involves modifying the application code to eliminate the embedding of passwords within image URLs and instead implement proper session management techniques that separate authentication credentials from URL parameters. Security controls should include restricting access to web server log files, implementing log file rotation with proper access controls, and ensuring that authentication tokens are never exposed in URL parameters. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns containing embedded credentials. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security auditing of the application to identify other potential information disclosure vulnerabilities and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent similar issues in future development cycles.