CVE-2006-0893 in NOCC
Summary
by MITRE
NOCC Webmail 1.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to (1) the profiles directory, which leaks e-mail addresses contained in filenames of profiles, and (2) the tmp directory, which lists names of uploaded attachments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-0893 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within NOCC Webmail version 1.0 that exposes sensitive user data through improper directory access controls. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references as outlined in CWE-22, where attackers can directly access resources they should not have permission to view. The flaw exists due to insufficient access control mechanisms that fail to properly authenticate and authorize user requests to sensitive directories within the web application's file system structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the webmail application's failure to implement proper access controls for its directory structures. When attackers make direct requests to the profiles directory, they can enumerate email addresses that are embedded within filename conventions, while access to the tmp directory reveals the names of uploaded attachments. This occurs because the application does not validate whether the requesting user has legitimate access rights to these directories, allowing unauthorized users to traverse the file system and discover sensitive information without proper authentication or authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. The exposure of email addresses from the profiles directory creates a significant risk for social engineering campaigns and targeted phishing attacks, while the attachment names in the tmp directory may reveal sensitive content or system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability directly violates security principles established in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the issue of sensitive data exposure and inadequate access control mechanisms.
Security professionals should implement comprehensive mitigations including strict access control policies for all application directories, proper authentication and authorization checks for file system access, and the implementation of directory listing restrictions to prevent unauthorized enumeration of resources. The solution involves configuring web server settings to disable directory browsing, implementing proper access control lists, and ensuring that all file system operations require valid user authentication and authorization tokens. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege and regularly audit directory access controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in their systems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation and serves as a reminder of the fundamental security principles that must be maintained in web application development processes.