CVE-2007-0077 in lblog
Summary
by MITRE
lblog stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database via a direct request for a certain file in admin/db/newFolder/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0077 represents a critical security flaw in the lblog content management system that stems from improper file access controls and insecure configuration practices. This issue occurs when the application stores sensitive database files directly under the web root directory structure, creating an attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit without authentication. The specific path mentioned in the vulnerability description admin/db/newFolder/ indicates that the database files are placed in a location that is directly accessible through standard web requests, bypassing normal application security mechanisms. This misconfiguration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper separation of concerns between web-accessible content and sensitive backend data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a straightforward approach where attackers can construct direct HTTP requests to access the database file through the exposed web path. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-275 permission model, specifically representing inadequate access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to access protected resources. The vulnerability demonstrates poor application architecture where sensitive data is not properly isolated from the web server's document root, creating a scenario where database files become accessible through simple file path traversal techniques. Attackers can leverage this weakness to obtain complete database contents, including user credentials, personal information, and application data that should remain protected within the backend system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. When an attacker successfully downloads the database, they gain access to potentially sensitive information including user accounts, session data, and application configuration details that could be used for further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories and can facilitate subsequent attacks such as credential stuffing, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within compromised networks. The exposure of database contents can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and regulatory compliance violations, particularly if the database contains personally identifiable information or confidential business data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation of the application's file access control mechanisms and proper configuration of web server permissions. Organizations should implement proper directory structure separation where sensitive files are stored outside the web root accessible to the application server. The solution involves moving database files to secure locations with appropriate access controls and ensuring that web applications do not directly expose backend data files through web paths. Security measures should include implementing proper authentication checks before allowing access to administrative functions, configuring web server restrictions to prevent direct file access to sensitive directories, and establishing proper file permissions that prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that no sensitive files are inadvertently exposed through web server configurations, and that access controls are properly enforced throughout the application architecture to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the system.