CVE-2005-0440 in Elog Web Logbook
Summary
by MITRE
ELOG before 2.5.7 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and download a configuration file that contains a sensitive write password via a modified URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0440 affects ELOG versions prior to 2.5.7, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that exposes sensitive system configuration data. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the application's URL handling system. The vulnerability specifically allows remote attackers to manipulate URL parameters to gain unauthorized access to system configuration files containing privileged credentials.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves a predictable URL structure that does not properly verify user authentication status before serving sensitive configuration data. Attackers can construct modified URLs that circumvent normal authentication checks, enabling them to download configuration files containing write passwords and other confidential system information. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization controls where the application fails to validate session integrity or user privileges before exposing sensitive resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations utilizing affected ELOG versions. The exposure of write passwords allows attackers to modify system configurations, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data manipulation. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior system compromise. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by threat actors with minimal technical expertise.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and demonstrates the importance of implementing robust access control mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for phishing, as it enables attackers to leverage legitimate system access to obtain sensitive credentials. The flaw also relates to T1005 for data from local system repositories, as it allows extraction of configuration data from the target system.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to ELOG version 2.5.7 or later to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control measures can help mitigate similar issues in other applications. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual URL access patterns can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all applications to identify similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities that may exist in legacy systems or custom developed software solutions.