CVE-2004-1788 in ASP-Nuke
Summary
by MITRE
ASP-Nuke 1.3 and earlier places user credentials under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to main.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1788 affects ASP-Nuke versions 1.3 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in web application architecture that exposes sensitive user credentials through improper file access controls. This vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement adequate access restrictions for database files within the web document root directory, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises user authentication data. The flaw specifically impacts the main.mdb database file which contains user credentials and authentication information, making it accessible through direct web requests without proper authentication mechanisms.
This security weakness constitutes a classic case of insufficient access control, where sensitive data resides in a publicly accessible location within the web server's document root. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass normal authentication procedures by directly requesting the main.mdb file through standard web protocols, effectively eliminating the need for legitimate user credentials or authorization tokens. The exposure of database files within the web root creates a fundamental architectural flaw that violates core security principles of data protection and access control. This issue aligns with CWE-276, which specifically addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to obtain comprehensive user authentication data that could facilitate further exploitation attempts. Once accessed, the main.mdb file contains not only user credentials but potentially other sensitive information that could be used for account takeovers, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within affected networks. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation requires no local system access or specialized tools beyond standard web browsing capabilities, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. This vulnerability effectively transforms the web application into an open repository for sensitive authentication data, undermining the entire security posture of the affected system and potentially exposing thousands of user accounts to unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves moving sensitive database files outside the web document root and implementing proper access controls that prevent direct web access to database files. Organizations should implement strict file permission settings that ensure database files are only accessible through proper application interfaces rather than direct web requests. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no sensitive files remain within accessible web directories, and automated monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts to database files. This remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which focuses on data from information repositories, and emphasizes the importance of proper file system permissions and access control mechanisms. The vulnerability also highlights the need for proper application security development practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, which specifically addresses the risks of insecure direct object references and improper access control in web applications.