CVE-2005-0938 in Ublog Reload
Summary
by MITRE
Ublog Reload 1.0 through 1.0.4 stores ublogreload.mdb under the web root, which allows remote attackers to read usernames and hashed passwords via a direct request to ublogreload.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0938 affects Ublog Reload versions 1.0 through 1.0.4, presenting a critical security flaw in the application's data handling practices. This issue stems from the improper placement of the database file ublogreload.mdb within the web root directory structure, creating an easily accessible attack vector for remote threat actors. The vulnerability manifests when attackers can directly request the database file through standard web protocols, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms that should protect sensitive user information.
The technical flaw represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability, where the application fails to implement proper access controls for database files stored in publicly accessible directories. This weakness allows unauthorized users to gain direct access to the database without requiring valid credentials or authentication tokens. The ublogreload.mdb file contains user account information including usernames and password hashes, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to compromise user accounts and escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple http requests, making it particularly dangerous due to its ease of exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential theft, as the exposure of password hashes enables attackers to conduct offline password cracking attempts using various techniques such as rainbow table attacks or brute force methods. This compromise affects all user accounts within the affected system, potentially allowing attackers to gain persistent access to the application and its underlying resources. The vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles including the principle of least privilege and proper data isolation, as sensitive information is stored in a location accessible to any user with web access to the application's directory structure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper file placement outside the web root directory and implementation of access controls to prevent direct file access. System administrators should relocate the database file to a secure location with appropriate permissions and ensure that web servers are configured to deny access to database files. Additionally, the application should implement proper authentication and authorization checks before allowing any database access requests. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for credential access through database dumps. The incident underscores the importance of secure configuration management and proper input validation in web applications to prevent unauthorized data access and maintain system integrity.