CVE-2005-1835 in NEXTWEB (i)Site
Summary
by MITRE
NEXTWEB (i)Site stores databases under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to databases/Users.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1835 represents a critical security flaw in the NEXTWEB iSite content management system that stems from improper access control mechanisms. This issue specifically affects the handling of database files within the web document root directory structure, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to directly access sensitive information stored in the databases/Users.mdb file. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental misconfiguration where database files are not properly protected from unauthorized access, exposing sensitive user information and system data to potential attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the iSite application fails to enforce proper access controls on database files stored within the web server's document root directory. When database files such as databases/Users.mdb are placed in directories accessible via HTTP requests, the application does not implement adequate authentication or authorization checks before serving these files. This misconfiguration allows attackers to construct direct HTTP requests targeting these database files, bypassing normal application access controls and gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database content. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to retrieve complete database contents including user credentials, personal information, and potentially other sensitive system data that should be protected from public access.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1835 is severe and multifaceted, affecting both the confidentiality and integrity of the affected system. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive user information including but not limited to usernames, passwords, personal identification details, and other confidential data stored within the Microsoft Access database format. This access can lead to identity theft, unauthorized account access, and potential escalation to full system compromise. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to data privacy compliance, as it allows unauthorized access to personal information that may be subject to regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or other data protection legislation. Organizations using this vulnerable software may face legal and financial consequences due to data breaches resulting from this access control failure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate access control issues and the underlying architectural problems that allowed the vulnerability to exist. Organizations should immediately relocate database files outside of the web document root directory structure and implement proper access controls that prevent direct HTTP access to database files. The recommended approach involves configuring web server access controls to deny access to database files while ensuring that the application can still access these files through appropriate backend mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions and using secure database connection practices can help prevent unauthorized access. Security measures should include regular security audits to ensure that sensitive files are not inadvertently placed in accessible directories and that proper access control mechanisms are in place. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for attempts to access database files directly, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's defensive strategies for preventing information access.