CVE-2007-0518 in Random PHP Quote
Summary
by MITRE
Scriptsez Smart PHP Subscriber (aka subscribe) stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain encoded passwords via a direct request for pwd.txt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0518 affects Scriptsez Smart PHP Subscriber, also known as the subscribe component, which represents a common class of web applications that manage user subscriptions and mailing lists. This particular vulnerability stems from poor security practices in the application's file management and access control mechanisms, creating a significant exposure that directly impacts the confidentiality of user credentials. The flaw manifests when sensitive data such as encoded passwords is stored in directories accessible through the web root, violating fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper resource isolation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to enforce proper access controls on sensitive files stored within the web accessible directory structure. Specifically, the pwd.txt file containing encoded passwords is placed in a location where it can be directly accessed by remote attackers through simple HTTP requests. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the application exposes internal file paths without proper authentication or authorization checks. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply constructing a URL that points to the pwd.txt file, bypassing any application-level authentication or session management controls that should normally protect such sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the compromised system. Once attackers obtain the encoded passwords, they can attempt various decryption or brute force attacks to recover plaintext credentials, potentially gaining access to administrative accounts or user data within the subscription system. This vulnerability also exposes the broader security posture of the web application, indicating poor security design practices that may leave other sensitive data accessible through similar flaws. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for applications that handle user data or business-critical information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper access control mechanisms and secure file storage practices. Organizations should immediately relocate sensitive configuration files and credential storage outside of the web root directory, ensuring that such files cannot be accessed directly through web requests. The application should implement robust authentication and authorization checks before allowing access to any sensitive information, with proper input validation and path traversal prevention measures. Additionally, the system should employ proper file permissions and access control lists to restrict access to sensitive files, ensuring that only authorized processes can read or modify credential data. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar flaws that could compromise system integrity and user confidentiality. The remediation process should include comprehensive code reviews to identify other potential insecure file access patterns and implementation of proper security frameworks that prevent direct object references to sensitive resources, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through insecure file permissions and path traversal attacks.