CVE-2006-2948 in A-CART
Summary
by MITRE
A-CART 2.0 stores the acart2_0.mdb file under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain username and password information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2948 affects A-CART 2.0, a web-based shopping cart application that utilizes Microsoft Access database files for data storage. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in the application's deployment configuration where sensitive database files are improperly positioned within the web server's document root directory. The issue stems from inadequate access control mechanisms that fail to restrict unauthorized access to the acart2_0.mdb database file, which contains user authentication credentials and other sensitive information. This misconfiguration creates a direct pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system's weak security posture and gain unauthorized access to confidential data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through simple web-based file access methods where attackers can directly request the acart2_0.mdb file through standard HTTP protocols. Since the database file resides in the web document root, standard web server access controls are insufficient to prevent unauthorized retrieval. The database file contains structured information including user account credentials, which are typically stored in a format that can be readily read and parsed by attackers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms by directly accessing the credential store, making it particularly dangerous for applications handling user authentication data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to customer data. Attackers who successfully retrieve the database file can potentially escalate their access to other system components, especially if the database contains additional sensitive information such as customer credit card details, personal identification numbers, or other confidential data. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risk of sensitive data exposure through insecure configuration practices. The attack surface is particularly wide since the vulnerability does not require complex exploitation techniques or specialized tools, making it accessible to attackers of varying skill levels. Organizations using A-CART 2.0 face significant risks including data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper file access controls and secure configuration practices. The most effective remediation involves moving the database file outside the web document root and implementing proper access controls using the web server's built-in authorization mechanisms or application-level authentication. System administrators should ensure that database files are stored in directories that are not directly accessible through web requests, and that appropriate file permissions are enforced to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments to identify similar misconfigurations in other applications and systems. The remediation process should include establishing secure baseline configurations for web applications, implementing proper file access controls, and conducting security training for development and operations teams. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper system configuration in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, where adversaries exploit weak access controls to obtain unauthorized access to system resources.