CVE-2007-0543 in ZixForum
Summary
by MITRE
ZixForum 1.14 and earlier 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 Zixforum.mdb. NOTE: a followup post suggests that this issue only occurs if the administrator does not properly follow installation directions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0543 represents a critical misconfiguration issue within ZixForum versions 1.14 and earlier that exposes sensitive data through inadequate access controls. This flaw stems from the application's improper handling of database files within the web root directory structure, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote access to confidential information. The vulnerability specifically affects the Zixforum.mdb database file which contains user credentials and other sensitive data, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise system security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. The flaw manifests when the application fails to implement proper access control mechanisms for database files stored within the web accessible directory. This misconfiguration allows attackers to directly request the Zixforum.mdb file through a simple HTTP GET request, bypassing any authentication or authorization checks that should normally protect such sensitive data. The vulnerability operates at the application level and demonstrates a fundamental lack of proper file permission management and secure coding practices.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using affected versions of ZixForum as it provides attackers with immediate access to user passwords and potentially other confidential information stored in the database. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft, as the compromised database may contain additional sensitive data such as user personal information, forum content, or administrative details that could be leveraged for further attacks. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or any local privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers legitimate credentials, as attackers can obtain valid user accounts through the stolen password database. This issue is further compounded by the fact that the vulnerability only occurs when administrators fail to properly follow installation directions, indicating a lack of proper security hardening practices. Organizations should implement proper file permission controls, ensure database files are stored outside the web root directory, and conduct regular security audits to verify proper configuration. The recommended mitigations include moving database files to secure, non-web-accessible locations, implementing proper access controls, and following security best practices for application deployment and configuration management.