CVE-2005-0700 in Aztek Forum
Summary
by MITRE
The export_index action in myadmin.php for Aztek Forum 4.0 allows remote attackers to obtain database files, possibly by setting the ATK_ADMIN cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0700 resides within the Aztek Forum 4.0 web application, specifically in the export_index action of the myadmin.php administrative interface. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to access sensitive database files without proper authentication. The vulnerability manifests through the manipulation of the ATK_ADMIN cookie parameter, which when improperly validated or sanitized, allows unauthorized access to database export functionality that should be restricted to legitimate administrators only. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access control mechanisms within the administrative backend of the forum software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a classic privilege escalation and information disclosure weakness that aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control mechanisms in software systems. Attackers can leverage the ATK_ADMIN cookie to bypass authentication checks and gain access to database export features that are typically protected by administrative privileges. This allows them to extract database files containing sensitive user information, forum configurations, and potentially other confidential data stored within the application's backend. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the application's session management and authorization controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized data extraction that directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Remote attackers can systematically extract database contents including user credentials, private messages, forum posts, and configuration settings that may contain additional sensitive information. This exposure creates opportunities for further attacks such as credential reuse attacks, social engineering campaigns, or even system compromise if database credentials are used elsewhere within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire forum system, potentially exposing thousands of users to identity theft, spam campaigns, or other malicious activities that exploit the leaked information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and broader architectural weaknesses. Organizations should implement proper input validation for all cookie parameters, particularly those used in administrative functions, ensuring that the ATK_ADMIN cookie contains valid authentication tokens and proper access levels. The implementation of robust session management with secure cookie attributes including HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite flags can prevent unauthorized access through session hijacking techniques. Additionally, access control mechanisms should be strengthened through proper role-based access controls, mandatory access controls, and regular security audits of administrative interfaces. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, particularly in addressing authentication and access control weaknesses that can lead to information disclosure and privilege escalation attacks. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security monitoring to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts that exploit such vulnerabilities.