CVE-2007-0075 in AspBB
Summary
by MITRE
AspBB stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database containing user passwords via a direct request for db/aspbb.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0075 represents a critical security flaw in the AspBB bulletin board system that exposes sensitive user data through improper file access controls. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement adequate authorization mechanisms when storing database files within the web root directory structure. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of AspBB that do not properly restrict access to their database files, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to directly access and download the database file containing user credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure placement of the database file db/aspbb.mdb within the web accessible directory hierarchy. When a web server serves files from the web root, any file placed in this location becomes accessible to anyone who knows the file path. In this case, the database file contains user account information including passwords, which are stored in a format that can be directly read by attackers. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in access control mechanisms, specifically falling under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues. This weakness allows unauthorized users to bypass normal authentication procedures and directly access protected resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with immediate access to a complete database of user credentials. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any authentication or privileged access, making the attack surface extremely broad. Once the database is downloaded, attackers can easily extract and use the stored passwords for unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially leading to account takeover, data breaches, and further lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability also exposes the system to credential stuffing attacks, where stolen credentials can be used to access other services that users may have employed the same passwords. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the category of credential access and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper access control measures and secure configuration practices. Organizations should relocate database files outside of the web root directory and implement proper file access permissions that prevent direct web access to sensitive data files. The recommended solution involves configuring the web server to deny access to database files and directories containing sensitive information through proper access control lists or web server configuration directives. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control checks within the application code can prevent unauthorized file access attempts. Security best practices dictate that all sensitive data files should be stored in directories that are not directly accessible through the web server, and that proper authentication and authorization mechanisms should be enforced before any data access is permitted. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and proper security architecture principles, particularly in the context of web application development and deployment.