CVE-2007-4093 in Minb Is Not a Blog
Summary
by MITRE
Minb Is Not a Blog (minb) stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database containing usernames and encrypted passwords via a direct request for db/users.db.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4093 represents a critical security flaw in Minb Is Not a Blog version 0.1.0 and earlier, where sensitive data is improperly stored and accessible without adequate access controls. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper security measures for protecting sensitive information stored within the web root directory, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to directly access database files containing user credentials.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized remote access to the database file db/users.db, which contains usernames and encrypted passwords. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, Access Control Issues, specifically focusing on improper file permissions and inadequate access control enforcement. The flaw occurs because the application stores sensitive user authentication data in a location that is directly accessible through web requests, bypassing any intended security boundaries that should protect such information.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using affected versions of Minb Is Not a Blog, as remote attackers can immediately obtain user credentials without requiring any authentication or exploitation of additional vulnerabilities. The exposure of encrypted passwords in the database means that even if the encryption is not immediately crackable, the credentials remain compromised and could be targeted through brute force attacks or other password recovery techniques. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, Phishing, as attackers can leverage stolen credentials for further access to systems and networks.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill, as attackers only need to make a direct HTTP request to access the database file, making it particularly dangerous for widespread compromise. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user data, potentially enabling credential stuffing attacks, lateral movement within networks, and unauthorized access to systems where users may have reused passwords. Organizations using this software face potential regulatory compliance violations and security breaches that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate implementation of proper file access controls by moving sensitive database files outside the web root directory and ensuring that access to these files is properly restricted through appropriate authentication and authorization mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should implement proper input validation, access logging, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The fix should involve proper implementation of access control lists and file permission settings that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data files, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for information security management.