CVE-2005-1648 in Gurgens Ultimate Forum
Summary
by MITRE
Gurgens (GASoft) Ultimate Forum 1.0 stores the db/Genid.dat database file under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain and decrypt usernames and passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1648 affects Gurgens (GASoft) Ultimate Forum version 1.0, representing a critical security flaw in web application architecture that stems from improper file access controls. This issue manifests when the application stores its database file db/Genid.dat within the web document root directory, creating an exploitable condition that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper resource isolation. The database file contains sensitive authentication data including usernames and passwords that are stored in a format susceptible to decryption by unauthorized parties.
The technical flaw resides in the application's configuration and file management practices where database files are placed in web-accessible directories without adequate access control mechanisms. This misconfiguration allows remote attackers to directly access the db/Genid.dat file through standard web requests, bypassing any intended authentication or authorization controls. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect access control, and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference where the application provides direct access to internal objects without proper validation or authentication checks. The weakness is further compounded by the fact that the stored credentials are not properly encrypted or obfuscated, making them vulnerable to decryption attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with immediate access to user credentials stored within the forum's database. This enables unauthorized individuals to gain administrative privileges or access user accounts, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized modifications to forum content. The vulnerability affects all users of the affected software version and poses a significant risk to organizations relying on the forum for communication or collaboration. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access to the system, conduct further reconnaissance, or use stolen credentials for lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access controls and secure configuration practices. Organizations should relocate the database file outside the web document root and implement appropriate file permissions that restrict access to authorized processes only. The recommended solution involves configuring web server access controls to prevent direct access to sensitive database files while ensuring that application processes can still read and write to these resources. This remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which focuses on data from information repositories, and addresses the fundamental security principle of separation of concerns. Additionally, implementing proper encryption for stored credentials and regular security audits of web application configurations will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and proper resource management in web application development to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.