CVE-2007-3530 in PHPDirector
Summary
by MITRE
PHPDirector 0.21 and earlier stores the admin account name and password in config.php, which allows local users to gain privileges by reading this file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3530 affects PHPDirector version 0.21 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in how the application handles authentication credentials. This issue stems from the insecure storage of administrative account information within the application's configuration file, specifically the config.php file. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture where sensitive authentication data is persisted in a manner that exposes it to unauthorized access. This vulnerability type falls under the category of insecure credential storage as classified by CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive data through improper storage mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects local users who can directly access the file system, creating a direct path to privilege escalation without requiring external network access or complex exploitation techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's configuration file containing plaintext administrative credentials that are accessible to any user with local file system access to the web server. When PHPDirector stores the admin account name and password in config.php, it creates a situation where the authentication mechanism fails to implement proper access controls for sensitive configuration data. This represents a violation of security best practices outlined in various security frameworks and standards, including those related to secure coding practices and credential management. The flaw essentially eliminates the need for authentication through network-based attacks since the credentials are already exposed in a readable file format. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, making it particularly dangerous in shared hosting environments or when the web server has insufficient file system permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides local attackers with immediate administrative access to the affected system. Once an attacker gains access to the config.php file, they can escalate their privileges without requiring additional authentication factors or complex attack vectors. This type of vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves credential access through various means including the exploitation of weak or improperly protected credentials. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially allow full system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized modifications to the application's functionality. Organizations using affected versions of PHPDirector face significant risk of unauthorized access to their systems, particularly in environments where local access is not properly restricted or where multiple users share the same system resources.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate remediation through software updates to versions that properly secure administrative credentials, along with implementing proper access controls on configuration files. System administrators should ensure that configuration files containing sensitive information are protected with appropriate file permissions that restrict access to only authorized users. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, which emphasize the need for secure credential storage and access control mechanisms. Organizations should also implement regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their software stack, particularly those that store sensitive information in plaintext formats. The remediation process should include not only updating the vulnerable software but also conducting security reviews of similar applications to prevent recurrence of such insecure credential storage practices.