CVE-2004-2203 in Ansel
Summary
by MITRE
Ansel 1.2 through 2.0 uses insecure default permissions, which allows remote attackers to gain access to web readable directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2203 affects Ansel versions 1.2 through 2.0, representing a critical security flaw in web application permissions management. This issue stems from the software's default configuration where web-readable directories are improperly secured, creating an avenue for unauthorized access. The vulnerability manifests when default installation settings fail to establish appropriate access controls, leaving sensitive directories exposed to remote attackers who can exploit this misconfiguration to gain unauthorized access to web-readable content.
This security weakness fundamentally compromises the principle of least privilege by allowing attackers to access directories that should remain protected from public viewing. The insecure default permissions create a persistent security gap that persists across different environments and deployments, making it particularly dangerous as it affects all installations using the vulnerable versions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect permissions for security-critical resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.001 related to data from information repositories, as attackers can systematically enumerate and access restricted web directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as attackers can potentially access sensitive configuration files, user data, application source code, or other confidential resources stored within the web-accessible directories. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to perform reconnaissance activities, identify system architecture, discover potential attack vectors, and gather intelligence for more sophisticated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal effort to exploit, as the insecure default settings are typically not changed by administrators during initial setup, creating a widespread attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2203 involve immediate implementation of proper access controls through configuration changes that restrict web directory permissions to appropriate levels. System administrators should review and modify default installation settings to ensure that sensitive directories are not publicly accessible, implementing proper directory permissions that align with security best practices. The recommended approach includes setting restrictive file and directory permissions, removing unnecessary web-accessible directories, and implementing proper access control mechanisms using security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that no insecure default configurations persist within the application environment, ensuring compliance with security standards and reducing the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.