CVE-2004-2398 in netenberg fantastico de luxe
Summary
by MITRE
netenberg fantastico de luxe 2.8 uses database file names that contain the associated usernames which allows local users to determine valid usernames and conduct brute force attacks by reading the file names from /var/lib/mysql which is assigned world-readable permissions by cpanel 9.3.0 r5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2398 represents a critical information disclosure issue within the netenberg fantastico de luxe 2.8 web application installation tool. This flaw specifically affects systems running cpanel 9.3.0 r5 where the database file naming convention directly exposes user account information through predictable file paths. The vulnerability stems from the application's design decision to incorporate usernames directly into database file names, creating a predictable pattern that can be exploited by malicious actors. When cpanel 9.3.0 r5 assigns world-readable permissions to the /var/lib/mysql directory, it inadvertently creates an attack surface that allows any local user to enumerate valid usernames simply by listing the contents of this directory. This issue falls under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference where system-generated identifiers reveal sensitive information about the underlying system architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through straightforward file system enumeration techniques that leverage the predictable naming scheme used by fantastico de luxe 2.8. Attackers can systematically traverse the /var/lib/mysql directory structure and identify database files that contain usernames in their names, effectively mapping out valid user accounts on the system. This information disclosure creates an ideal environment for conducting brute force attacks against user credentials, as the attacker now possesses a targeted list of valid usernames to test against password databases or authentication systems. The vulnerability demonstrates poor privilege separation and inadequate access control mechanisms within the cpanel installation process, where administrative configuration decisions result in unintentional exposure of sensitive system information. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1562.001 (Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools) as it enables further exploitation through information gathering and credential compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems running affected versions of cpanel and fantastico de luxe. Organizations using these components face increased risk of credential stuffing attacks, where the exposed usernames can be used to test compromised password lists against multiple services, leading to potential account takeovers and system compromise. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for targeted social engineering attacks, as attackers can use the discovered usernames to craft more convincing phishing attempts or impersonation schemes. System administrators must consider that this flaw can be exploited by any local user with access to the file system, potentially including compromised accounts or malicious insiders who might have legitimate access to the system but lack proper authorization for sensitive information discovery. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple installations indicates a systemic issue in the cpanel configuration process that requires immediate attention to prevent widespread exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and the underlying configuration issues that enable the attack. The primary recommendation involves modifying the permissions on the /var/lib/mysql directory to restrict world-readable access, ensuring that only authorized processes and users can enumerate database files. System administrators should implement proper file access controls using unix permissions and access control lists to prevent unauthorized discovery of database file names. Additionally, the fantastico de luxe installation process should be updated to remove the direct correlation between database file names and user account information, implementing more secure naming conventions that do not expose system-level identifiers. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unusual file system enumeration activities, particularly in directories containing database files. The remediation process should include reviewing all cpanel configurations to ensure that default permissions do not inadvertently create information disclosure opportunities, and that security hardening guidelines are properly applied to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the web hosting infrastructure.