CVE-2005-1660 in EZGuestbook
Summary
by MITRE
HTMLJunction EZGuestbook stores the guestbook.mdb file under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information such as the administrative password.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1660 represents a critical access control flaw in the HTMLJunction EZGuestbook web application that has significant implications for web security. This issue stems from improper file placement and permission configuration within the web server environment, creating a path for unauthorized information disclosure. The guestbook.mdb file, which contains sensitive database information including administrative credentials, is stored in a location accessible through the web document root, fundamentally violating secure configuration principles that require sensitive files to be placed outside of web-accessible directories.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate access control mechanisms that fail to properly restrict access to the database file. When the guestbook.mdb file resides within the web document root, any remote attacker can directly request access to this file through standard web protocols, bypassing the intended authentication and authorization layers. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect access control, and represents a classic example of improper file permissions combined with insecure file placement. The flaw operates at the filesystem level where the application does not implement proper access control lists or directory permissions that would prevent web-accessible requests from reaching sensitive database files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Remote attackers who successfully obtain the administrative password can gain full control over the guestbook application, potentially leading to complete system compromise through privilege escalation or further attack vectors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, and represents a significant risk for web applications that store authentication credentials in easily accessible locations. The exposure of administrative passwords creates opportunities for attackers to modify guestbook entries, delete content, or even inject malicious code through the application interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary fix involves moving the guestbook.mdb file outside of the web document root and implementing proper directory permissions that prevent web server access to sensitive database files. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that database files are stored in directories with restricted access permissions and that web server processes cannot directly access these sensitive locations. Additional measures include implementing proper input validation, regular security audits of file permissions, and ensuring that all web applications follow secure coding practices that prevent sensitive data from being stored in web-accessible directories. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file system security configurations and the fundamental security principle that sensitive information should never be stored in locations accessible through standard web protocols without proper authentication mechanisms.