CVE-2006-3368 in Efone
Summary
by MITRE
Efone 20000723 stores config.inc under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3368 affects the Efone 20000723 system where the configuration file config.inc is improperly placed within the web document root directory structure. This misconfiguration creates a critical security exposure by allowing unauthorized remote access to sensitive system information. The flaw represents a classic example of improper access control mechanisms where sensitive files are exposed to the web server's public directory, making them accessible to any remote attacker who can navigate to the specific URL path. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper file access controls that should prevent unauthorized access to system configuration files containing sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure configuration files within the web server's document root. When config.inc is stored in a publicly accessible directory, any remote user can retrieve the file through standard web requests, potentially exposing database connection strings, administrative credentials, encryption keys, or other sensitive parameters. This misconfiguration enables attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and directly access critical system information. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-275 as "Permission Issues" and specifically relates to CWE-264 as "Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls" within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe information disclosure threat that can lead to further exploitation opportunities including privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed configuration data can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the retrieved configuration information to identify database credentials, API keys, or system parameters that may reveal additional attack vectors. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 as "File and Directory Discovery" and T1566 as "Phishing" when attackers use the retrieved information to craft more convincing social engineering campaigns. The exposure of sensitive configuration data can also facilitate lateral movement within networks and provide attackers with insights into system architecture and security controls. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and reputational damage when such vulnerabilities are exploited, particularly in environments governed by standards such as PCI DSS or HIPAA where proper access controls and information protection are mandatory requirements.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate remediation through proper file placement and access control implementation. Configuration files should never be stored within the web document root directory structure, and all sensitive files must be placed in secure, non-public directories with appropriate access controls. Implementing proper web server configuration to prevent access to sensitive directories and files, establishing robust file permission settings, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar misconfigurations are essential steps. Additionally, organizations should implement automated scanning tools to detect exposed configuration files and ensure that security controls are properly enforced across all system components. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper security hardening practices and demonstrates how simple misconfigurations can create severe security risks that significantly compromise system integrity and confidentiality.