CVE-2007-0546 in Shoutbox
Summary
by MITRE
Toxiclab Shoutbox 1 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 db.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0546 affects Toxiclab Shoutbox version 1, representing a critical security flaw in web application configuration and access control mechanisms. This issue stems from improper file placement and inadequate permission settings that expose sensitive database files to unauthorized access. The vulnerability specifically targets the database file db.mdb which contains user credentials and other sensitive information, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise the affected system. The flaw exists due to poor security practices during application deployment where sensitive data was stored in a location accessible via standard web requests without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a straightforward path traversal attack vector where remote attackers can directly request the database file through a web browser or automated tools. The database file db.mdb is stored in a location within the web root directory structure, meaning that any user with knowledge of the file path can access it directly without authentication. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability, where the application fails to verify that the requesting user has proper authorization to access the requested resource. The vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that the database contains passwords, making it particularly dangerous for systems where user authentication relies on stored credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with complete access to user credentials and potentially other sensitive data stored in the database. This can lead to unauthorized account access, privilege escalation, and further compromise of the affected system or network. The vulnerability allows for automated exploitation through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it can be easily weaponized by attackers without requiring sophisticated tools or techniques. The exposure of passwords in the database can result in widespread compromise across multiple user accounts, especially if the same credentials are reused across different systems or services.
Security controls and mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on proper file access control configuration and secure application deployment practices. The primary remediation involves moving sensitive database files outside of the web root directory structure and implementing proper access controls that prevent direct file access through web requests. This aligns with the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices that recommend storing sensitive data in locations that are not directly accessible via web protocols. Organizations should also implement proper authentication mechanisms for any administrative access points and regularly audit their web application configurations to ensure sensitive data is not inadvertently exposed. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-278 and CWE-279, which address insecure direct object references and improper access control mechanisms. The issue also maps to attack techniques in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access and T1083 file and directory discovery categories, demonstrating how this vulnerability can be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns targeting credential theft and system reconnaissance.