CVE-2006-4595 in muforum
Summary
by MITRE
muforum (µforum) 0.4c stores membres/members.dat under the web document root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information such as usernames and password hashes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4595 affects muforum version 0.4c, a web-based discussion forum application that was widely used in the mid-2000s. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the application's file access control mechanisms, specifically concerning how it handles user credential storage. The vulnerability stems from the application's improper configuration where the members.dat file containing user account information is placed directly within the web document root directory structure. This placement fundamentally violates secure coding practices and web application security principles, as it exposes sensitive data to unauthorized access through standard web requests.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect access control, and represents a classic case of insecure file permissions and directory structure configuration. The members.dat file contains usernames and password hashes, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user accounts. Since the file resides within the web accessible directory, remote attackers can directly access it by constructing appropriate URL requests without requiring any authentication or privileged access. This configuration essentially eliminates any form of access control enforcement for the sensitive data file, creating an unauthenticated information disclosure vulnerability that can be exploited through standard web browsing tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to obtain complete user credential information without any authorization. The exposure of password hashes allows for offline password cracking attacks, potentially leading to account compromise and unauthorized access to the forum system. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of the application, as it provides attackers with the means to bypass all authentication mechanisms and gain access to user accounts. The consequences extend beyond simple credential theft, as compromised accounts can be used for malicious activities such as posting spam content, conducting phishing attacks, or using the forum as a platform for further attacks against other systems.
Organizations and system administrators should immediately address this vulnerability by implementing proper file access controls and reconfiguring the application's directory structure to prevent sensitive files from being accessible through the web root. The recommended mitigation includes moving the members.dat file outside the web document root and implementing proper access controls using web server configuration directives such as .htaccess files or directory-level permissions. Additionally, the application should be updated to a more recent version that properly implements access control measures. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and proper file permission management, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks, particularly focusing on the prevention of information exposure through improper access control mechanisms. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves credential access through the exploitation of insecure configurations, making it a significant vector for attackers seeking to compromise user accounts and gain unauthorized access to systems.