CVE-2004-2428 in WWWguestbook
Summary
by MITRE
Abczone.it WWWguestbook 1.1 stores db/dbase.mdb under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information such as the plaintext username and password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2428 represents a critical security flaw in the Abczone.it WWWguestbook 1.1 web application that fundamentally undermines the system's access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's improper configuration where the database file dbase.mdb is placed directly within the web document root directory structure, creating an insecure default configuration that exposes sensitive authentication credentials to unauthorized users. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-275 permissions issues, specifically CWE-275 permissions, which encompasses inadequate access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to protected resources. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the database file is directly accessible through standard web protocols without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through straightforward web-based attacks where remote attackers can directly access the database file by constructing appropriate URL requests to the web server. Since the database file resides in the web document root, it becomes immediately accessible to any user who knows or can guess the file path, eliminating any meaningful access controls or authentication barriers. The database file contains plaintext credentials including usernames and passwords, which violates fundamental security principles of credential storage and demonstrates poor security architecture practices. This exposure creates a significant risk for the application's users and administrators, as the plaintext credentials can be immediately utilized for unauthorized access to the guestbook system and potentially to other systems where the same credentials might be reused.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent security risk that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability gain access to administrative credentials and can potentially escalate their privileges within the application. This vulnerability also creates a broader security threat landscape where the exposed credentials might be used to attack other systems or services within the same network environment, particularly if users employ the same passwords across multiple applications. The vulnerability represents a critical failure in the principle of least privilege, where sensitive database files are exposed without proper access controls, and it demonstrates the importance of proper file system permissions and web server configuration management.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and the underlying architectural issues that enabled the flaw. The primary remediation involves moving the database file outside the web document root and ensuring that proper access controls are implemented through the web server configuration. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and follows the security principle of defense in depth by ensuring that sensitive data files are not directly accessible through the web interface. Organizations should implement proper file permissions, utilize secure database connection methods, and ensure that all database files are stored in secure locations that require proper authentication and authorization before access. Additionally, regular security audits and configuration reviews should be conducted to prevent similar issues from emerging in other applications or system components. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for application security vulnerabilities.