CVE-2005-3049 in PhpMyFaq
Summary
by MITRE
PhpMyFaq 1.5.1 stores data files under the web document root with insufficient access control and predictable filenames, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to the data/tracking[DATE] file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3049 affects PhpMyFaq version 1.5.1 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's file access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive data storage, where critical files are placed directly within the web document root directory structure. The vulnerability specifically targets the data/tracking[DATE] files that are generated by the application's tracking functionality, creating a scenario where unauthorized users can directly access these files through standard web requests. The predictable naming convention of these tracking files, combined with their placement in publicly accessible directories, enables attackers to enumerate and retrieve sensitive information that should remain protected.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward method of direct web access to the tracking files, which are generated with date-based naming patterns that attackers can easily predict. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control, as the application fails to implement adequate authorization checks before serving sensitive data files. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-284, which covers improper access control. The predictable filenames create a pathway for automated attacks where malicious actors can systematically attempt access to these tracking files without requiring authentication or specific knowledge of file locations beyond the basic directory structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the tracking files may contain sensitive data such as user activity logs, system access patterns, and potentially personal information about database interactions. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain insights into the application's usage patterns, user behavior, and potentially identify other system vulnerabilities through the data contained in these tracking files. The exposure of such information can facilitate more sophisticated attacks, including social engineering attempts, targeted exploitation of user accounts, and identification of system weaknesses that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the affected environment. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on tracking mechanisms to monitor user interactions, making it a significant concern for organizations managing sensitive database environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper file access controls and reorganizing the application's data storage architecture to prevent direct web access to sensitive files. The most effective approach involves moving sensitive data files outside the web document root and implementing proper access control mechanisms that validate user permissions before serving any data files. Organizations should also consider implementing randomization of filename patterns for tracking files and ensuring that all data files are protected by authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, and emphasizes the importance of proper data protection measures as outlined in security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations in other applications, and access control policies should be reviewed to ensure that sensitive data is never stored in publicly accessible locations.