CVE-2007-2100 in FAC Guestbook
Summary
by MITRE
FAC Guestbook 2.0 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database via a direct request for db/Gdb.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2100 affects FAC Guestbook 2.0, a web-based guestbook application that suffers from improper access control mechanisms. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that exposes sensitive database files to unauthorized remote access. The vulnerability stems from the application's design where it stores its database file db/Gdb.mdb directly within the web root directory structure, making it accessible through standard web requests without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to enforce proper access controls on its database storage location. When attackers make a direct HTTP request to access the db/Gdb.mdb file, the web server serves the file without validating the requestor's credentials or privileges. This misconfiguration creates an information disclosure vulnerability where sensitive data stored in the guestbook database becomes accessible to any remote attacker who knows the file path. The flaw aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect access control, and represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks in web applications. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor security design principles where sensitive data is not properly protected through access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Remote attackers can directly download the entire guestbook database containing user submissions, personal information, and potentially other sensitive data stored within the application. This unauthorized access could lead to identity theft, reputation damage, and compliance violations if the database contains personally identifiable information. The vulnerability enables attackers to gain insights into user behavior, personal details, and potentially system usage patterns that could be leveraged for further attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1005 - Data from Local System and T1074 - Data Staged, as it allows for unauthorized data extraction from the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2100 should focus on implementing proper access controls and secure configuration practices. The primary remediation involves moving database files outside the web root directory and implementing proper access controls that require authentication before allowing database access. Organizations should ensure that database files are stored in directories that are not directly accessible via web requests and that proper authentication mechanisms are enforced for any database access attempts. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions, web server configuration restrictions, and regular security assessments can prevent similar vulnerabilities. The fix should also include input validation and proper error handling to prevent path traversal attacks that could potentially exploit similar misconfigurations. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially exposed sensitive files and ensure that all application components follow secure coding practices that prevent unauthorized data access.