CVE-2006-1011 in LetterMerger
Summary
by MITRE
LetterMerger 1.2 stores user information in Access database files with insecure permissions, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1011 affects LetterMerger 1.2, a software application that handles user information through Access database files. This issue represents a classic case of improper access control and insecure data storage practices that can lead to information disclosure. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement proper file system permissions when creating and managing database files, creating an attack surface that local adversaries can exploit to access sensitive user data. The affected system stores user information in Microsoft Access database files without adequate permission controls, allowing any local user with access to the system to potentially read the database contents and extract confidential information.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's handling of database file permissions during the creation and storage process. When LetterMerger 1.2 generates database files to store user information, it does not enforce restrictive file permissions that would prevent unauthorized access. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment, and specifically relates to the lack of proper access control mechanisms that should be implemented when storing sensitive data. The insecure permissions typically result in database files being created with default permissions that allow read access to all users on the system, making the stored information readily accessible to any local user who can navigate to the database file location. This flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege, where sensitive data is stored with permissions that exceed what is necessary for the application's legitimate operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can lead to significant privacy and security breaches depending on the type of user information stored within the database files. Local users who can access these files may obtain personal identification information, contact details, communication records, or other sensitive data that the application is designed to protect. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where multiple users share the same system or where the application runs with elevated privileges. From an adversarial perspective, this represents a low-effort attack vector that can be exploited without requiring network connectivity or specialized tools, as the attacker only needs local system access. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which covers data from local system storage, and demonstrates how poor file permission management can create persistent access points for malicious actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper file system permissions and access controls when creating database files. System administrators should ensure that database files are created with restrictive permissions that limit access to only authorized processes and users. The application should be configured to set appropriate file permissions during database creation, typically requiring that only the application process and designated administrators have read access to the database files. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security audits to identify and correct similar permission issues in other applications and systems. The solution should also include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to database files and implementing proper logging mechanisms to track access to sensitive data stores. Security best practices recommend that all sensitive data stored in files should be protected by appropriate access controls, and this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing such controls from the initial design phase of software applications.