CVE-2005-1645 in ImageGallery
Summary
by MITRE
Keyvan1 ImageGallery stores the image.mdb database under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1645 affects Keyvan1 ImageGallery software where the image.mdb database file is stored within the web document root directory structure. This configuration represents a critical security flaw that directly violates fundamental web application security principles. The database file contains sensitive information including user credentials, image metadata, and potentially other confidential data that should never be directly accessible through web requests. This misconfiguration allows remote attackers to directly access the database file by simply requesting it through the web server, bypassing all intended authentication and authorization mechanisms.
The technical flaw stems from improper file system permissions and inadequate security architecture design within the web application. When database files are placed in web-accessible directories without proper access controls, they become immediately vulnerable to exploitation. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-275 as "Permissive File Permissions" and aligns with CWE-200 as "Information Exposure" since it directly exposes sensitive data to unauthorized parties. The flaw operates at the intersection of poor input validation and inadequate output sanitization, where the application fails to properly control access to its data storage components. The vulnerability essentially creates an information disclosure attack surface that allows adversaries to obtain database contents without any authentication or authorization requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Remote attackers can directly download the image.mdb file and potentially access sensitive user information, including passwords, personal details, and other confidential data stored within the database. This exposure creates immediate risks for user privacy and data integrity, potentially leading to identity theft, unauthorized access to user accounts, and broader compromise of the application's security posture. The vulnerability also enables further attack vectors such as database manipulation, data exfiltration, and potential escalation to other system components. From an attack perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact exploit that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 as "Data from Information Repositories" and T1078 as "Valid Accounts" since compromised database contents can reveal authentication credentials that attackers can leverage for further access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access controls and file system security measures. The primary fix involves relocating the database file outside of the web document root directory and implementing proper file permissions that restrict access to authorized processes only. Web server configuration should be reviewed to ensure that database files are not directly accessible through web requests, typically achieved by placing database files in directories not served by the web server. Additionally, implementing proper authentication and authorization mechanisms for database access, using secure connection protocols, and regularly auditing file permissions can prevent similar issues. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for attempts to access database files. The remediation process must include comprehensive security testing to verify that no other sensitive files are exposed in web-accessible directories and that all data storage components are properly secured according to security best practices.