CVE-2004-2506 in WIKINDX
Summary
by MITRE
Unparsed web content delivery vulnerability in WIKINDX before 0.9.9g allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct HTTP request to the config.inc file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-2506 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in the WIKINDX bibliographic management system prior to version 0.9.9g. This issue stems from improper handling of web content delivery where the application fails to properly parse or validate incoming HTTP requests, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data. The vulnerability specifically targets the config.inc file which likely contains database connection credentials, administrative passwords, and other system configuration parameters essential for the application's operation and security posture.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates as an unvalidated input flaw that allows attackers to bypass normal application access controls and directly request sensitive files through HTTP protocols. The absence of proper access validation mechanisms means that any remote attacker who can determine the existence of the config.inc file can retrieve its contents without authentication. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities and aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and access control implementation, where the web application fails to properly sanitize or verify request parameters before serving content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed configuration data can provide attackers with critical system details that facilitate further exploitation. Database credentials and administrative access information obtained through this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain full control over the underlying database systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and complete service disruption. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal sophistication - simply knowing the file path and making a direct HTTP request is sufficient to exploit the vulnerability. This makes the attack surface accessible to even less skilled threat actors and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Organizations using affected versions of WIKINDX face significant security risks as this vulnerability can be exploited by anyone with knowledge of the target system's configuration. The exposure of configuration files often provides attackers with enough information to conduct more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system infiltration. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the application and its underlying data, violating fundamental security principles. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the WIKINDX application to version 0.9.9g or later, which should include proper access controls, input validation, and file access restrictions. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls should be implemented to prevent unauthorized access attempts and limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.
The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the use of unvalidated redirects and forwards, though in this case it manifests as direct file access rather than redirect manipulation. Security practitioners should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious HTTP requests targeting configuration files and establish proper file permissions to prevent direct web access to sensitive system files. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications and systems. The incident highlights the critical importance of proper access control implementation and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive data or system configuration information.