CVE-2007-1192 in HyperBook Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
Thomas R. Pasawicz HyperBook Guestbook 1.30 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download an admin password hash via a direct request for data/gbconfiguration.dat.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-1192 affects Thomas R. Pasawicz HyperBook Guestbook version 1.30 and represents a critical security flaw related to improper access control and insecure data storage practices. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement adequate security measures when storing sensitive configuration data, creating a pathway for remote attackers to directly access administrative credentials without proper authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the web root directory structure where the application places the gbconfiguration.dat file containing the administrative password hash, making it accessible through simple HTTP requests.
The technical implementation flaw involves the application's insecure storage of sensitive information in a location that is publicly accessible via the web server. The gbconfiguration.dat file contains administrative password hashes that are stored in plain text or weakly hashed formats within the web root directory, which is designed to be accessible by web clients. This configuration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure data handling, as the file is not protected by authentication mechanisms or access controls that would normally restrict access to authorized personnel only. Attackers can exploit this by simply crafting a direct HTTP request to access the file, bypassing any authentication mechanisms that should normally protect administrative data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with immediate access to administrative credentials that can be used to fully compromise the guestbook application and potentially the underlying system. Once an attacker obtains the password hash, they can attempt offline cracking using various techniques including rainbow table attacks or brute force methods to recover the original administrative password. This access enables attackers to modify guestbook entries, delete content, add malicious entries, and potentially escalate privileges to gain full control over the web application. The vulnerability also exposes the application to further attacks as attackers can use the administrative access to modify application settings, install backdoors, or conduct data exfiltration operations.
This vulnerability aligns with several cybersecurity standards and frameworks, including CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and CWE-312, which covers exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials, and T1083, which addresses file and directory discovery. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, as the application should have implemented proper access controls and restricted file permissions to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files. Organizations should implement mitigations including immediate file permission changes to restrict web server access to sensitive files, proper input validation to prevent path traversal attacks, and regular security audits to identify and remediate similar insecure storage practices. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the necessity of following secure configuration management practices and implementing principle of least privilege access controls for all application components storing sensitive data.