CVE-2006-3557 in MT Orumcek Toplist
Summary
by MITRE
MT Orumcek Toplist 2.2 stores DB/orumcektoplist.mdb under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3557 affects MT Orumcek Toplist version 2.2, a web-based application designed for website top listing functionality. This security flaw represents a critical misconfiguration that exposes sensitive database files directly accessible through web requests. The application's default installation places the Microsoft Access database file orumcektoplist.mdb within the web root directory structure, creating an unintended attack surface that bypasses proper access controls. This configuration allows unauthorized remote actors to directly request and retrieve the database file through standard web protocols without authentication or authorization mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file access controls and improper web server configuration. When database files are stored within web-accessible directories without proper restrictions, they become immediately available to any remote attacker who can construct a valid HTTP request to the specific file path. The orumcektoplist.mdb file contains sensitive information including user credentials, website rankings, and potentially personal data of website owners who have registered with the top listing service. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the application fails to verify access permissions before serving requested resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed database may contain comprehensive user information including usernames, passwords, and website registration details. Attackers can leverage this access to perform credential stuffing attacks against other services, conduct targeted phishing campaigns, or exploit the gathered information for further reconnaissance. The vulnerability also poses risks to the integrity of the top listing service itself, as the database contents could be modified or corrupted by unauthorized parties. This exposure directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the issue of sensitive data exposure through improper access controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access control measures and web server configuration changes. Organizations should relocate database files outside of web-accessible directories and implement proper authentication mechanisms before allowing access to sensitive data. The application should be configured with appropriate file permissions that prevent direct web access to database files while maintaining proper functionality for legitimate users. Additionally, security audits should verify that all database files are properly secured and that no sensitive information is inadvertently exposed through web server configurations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and represents a common pattern of insecure file handling that requires systematic remediation across web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through insecure file permissions, where attackers exploit weak access controls to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.