CVE-2007-2944 in RMForum
Summary
by MITRE
WabCMS 1.0 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/wabcmsn.mdb. NOTE: this issue was originally reported for "webCMS," but this was an error by an unreliable researcher.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2944 affects WabCMS version 1.0, a content management system that improperly handles sensitive data storage and access control mechanisms. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the application's architecture where database files are stored in a location accessible to remote attackers without proper authentication or authorization checks. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to implement adequate access controls for sensitive files located within the web root directory structure, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises the system's data security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the insecure placement of the database file wabcmsn.mdb within the web accessible directory tree, specifically under the db/ path. This configuration allows any remote attacker to construct a direct HTTP request to access the database file without requiring authentication credentials or proper authorization. The flaw manifests as a lack of proper input validation and access control enforcement, where the application does not verify whether the requesting entity has legitimate authorization to access the requested database file. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control as defined by CWE-284, where improper privileges are granted to users or processes accessing sensitive resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with direct access to the entire database content without any authentication barriers. This includes all user accounts, configuration data, application settings, and potentially sensitive business information stored within the database. The vulnerability enables complete data exfiltration and can lead to further exploitation opportunities such as credential theft, data manipulation, or use of stolen information for additional attacks. Attackers can leverage this access to gain insights into the application's internal structure, user base, and business operations, which can facilitate more sophisticated attack vectors and persistence mechanisms.
The security implications extend beyond simple data theft, as this vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns. According to ATT&CK framework category T1213, adversaries can use this access to collect data from databases, which aligns with the threat actor's ability to directly download the database file. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 which covers credential access through various means including database exploitation. Organizations using WabCMS 1.0 are at risk of experiencing significant data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to the exposure of sensitive information. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its ease of exploitation, requiring no special privileges or complex attack chains to achieve successful database access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate exposure and underlying architectural flaws. The primary recommendation involves moving sensitive database files outside of the web root directory and implementing proper access control mechanisms. Organizations should enforce authentication and authorization checks for all database access requests, ensuring that only legitimate users with appropriate privileges can access sensitive data. Additionally, proper file permissions should be configured to restrict access to database files, and web server configurations should be reviewed to prevent direct file access to sensitive directories. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The remediation process should also include implementing proper input validation and access control enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar issues from occurring in future development cycles, aligning with security best practices and industry standards for secure application development.