CVE-2006-0762 in Folder Guard
Summary
by MITRE
WinAbility Folder Guard 4.11 allows local users to gain unauthorized access to certain capabilities of the application by renaming or moving the password file (FGuard.FGP), which disables the password requirement.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-0762 affects WinAbility Folder Guard version 4.11, a Windows-based file protection software designed to secure folders and files through password authentication. This security flaw represents a critical design weakness in the application's access control mechanism that fundamentally undermines its core security functionality. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of authentication state when critical configuration files are manipulated by local users, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to protected resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's failure to properly validate file integrity and access controls during runtime operations. When the password file FGuard.FGP is renamed or moved by a local user, the Folder Guard application loses its ability to verify authentication credentials, effectively disabling the password protection mechanism. This occurs because the software does not implement proper file monitoring or validation procedures that would detect such manipulations and respond accordingly. The flaw operates at the file system level where the application assumes the password file exists in its expected location and maintains its original name, creating a path traversal and privilege escalation scenario.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Folder Guard for data protection, as it allows any local user with system access to bypass authentication entirely. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to potentially sensitive data, as the vulnerability enables privilege escalation and could facilitate further attacks within the compromised system. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where the authentication mechanism is not robust enough to prevent manipulation of core security files. The vulnerability affects both the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the protected data, as unauthorized access can result in data exposure or modification.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and access control mechanisms, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of application flaws. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting local user privileges, monitoring file system changes to the FGuard.FGP file, and ensuring proper file permissions are enforced. The recommended remediation involves either updating to a patched version of Folder Guard that implements proper file validation and monitoring, or implementing additional security controls such as file integrity monitoring tools that can detect unauthorized file manipulations. System administrators should also consider disabling the affected application if alternative file protection mechanisms are available, as the vulnerability fundamentally compromises the application's ability to provide meaningful security protection.