CVE-2007-0155 in database
Summary
by MITRE
HarikaOnline 2.0 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 harikaonline.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-0155 represents a critical misconfiguration issue within the HarikaOnline 2.0 web application that exposes sensitive data through improper access controls. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture where database files containing user credentials are stored in a location accessible to unauthenticated remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically affects the harikaonline.mdb database file which contains password information, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to user accounts and system resources.
This security flaw stems from inadequate access control mechanisms and improper file system permissions within the web application's deployment configuration. The database file is stored under the web root directory, which is designed to serve content to web clients without requiring authentication. This configuration creates an inherent security risk where any remote attacker can directly request the database file through a simple HTTP GET request, bypassing all authentication and authorization mechanisms that should normally protect sensitive information. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in access control according to CWE-284, specifically related to insufficient access control where the application fails to properly restrict access to sensitive resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization using HarikaOnline 2.0. Remote attackers can immediately obtain a complete database dump containing hashed or plaintext passwords, user account details, and potentially other sensitive information stored within the application. This exposure enables attackers to perform credential stuffing attacks against other systems, conduct social engineering operations, or establish persistent access to the compromised environment. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to user privacy and organizational security posture, as it allows attackers to obtain authentication credentials without requiring any special privileges or exploitation techniques beyond simple web requests.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1078 Valid Accounts for maintaining persistent access and T1566 Phishing for Initial Access. The flaw also demonstrates poor security hygiene in accordance with NIST SP 800-53 security controls, particularly in the area of access control and data protection. Organizations should implement proper file system permissions, relocate sensitive database files outside of web-accessible directories, and implement robust authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and configuration management standards such as those outlined in ISO/IEC 27001 and OWASP Top Ten, where proper access control and secure configuration management are fundamental requirements for protecting sensitive information assets.