CVE-2007-0094 in GuestBook
Summary
by MITRE
Sven Moderow GuestBook 0.3a stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database containing passwords via a direct request for (1) gbook97.mdb or (2) gbook.mdb in ~db/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2018
This vulnerability resides in Sven Moderow GuestBook version 0.3a where the application improperly manages file permissions and access controls for database files stored within the web root directory. The flaw stems from inadequate security measures that allow unauthorized access to sensitive data through simple direct requests for database files. The vulnerability specifically affects two database files gbook97.mdb and gbook.mdb located in the ~db/ directory path, making them directly accessible to remote attackers without proper authentication or authorization checks. This represents a critical configuration error that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure by default design.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates poor access control mechanisms where database files containing user credentials and sensitive information are stored in publicly accessible web directories. Attackers can exploit this by directly requesting the database files through HTTP requests, bypassing any application-level authentication or authorization checks. The flaw essentially creates a path traversal and information disclosure vulnerability where the web server serves database files directly without validating user permissions or implementing proper access controls. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-276 which specifically addresses incorrect access control and inadequate file permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with immediate access to a database containing user passwords and potentially other sensitive information. The exposure of database files means that all stored credentials become immediately accessible to any remote attacker who knows the file paths. This creates a significant risk for authentication bypass attacks and credential theft, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability directly enables data exfiltration and can result in unauthorized access to user accounts, session hijacking, and further exploitation within the affected system. According to ATT&CK framework, this maps to technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through information discovery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper file access controls and secure configuration practices. The database files must be moved outside the web root directory or protected through proper access control mechanisms such as .htaccess files, web server configuration restrictions, or application-level authentication checks. Administrators should implement proper file permissions that prevent direct web access to database files while ensuring that legitimate application access is maintained. The system should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that sensitive files are not exposed through web directories and that proper access control measures are in place. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management as outlined in various security standards and frameworks.