CVE-2007-5260 in ASP-CMS
Summary
by MITRE
ASP-CMS 1.0 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database containing the username and password via a direct request for mdb-database/ASP-CMS_v100.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5260 represents a critical security flaw in ASP-CMS 1.0 where sensitive database files are improperly configured within the web root directory. This configuration exposes a Microsoft Access database file containing user credentials and system information to unauthorized remote access. The flaw stems from inadequate access control mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file access based on user permissions or authentication status. The database file ASP-CMS_v100.mdb is directly accessible through a simple HTTP request, eliminating any requirement for valid credentials or authentication tokens to retrieve the sensitive information.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-275 permissions issues and CWE-200 information exposure, as it involves insufficient access control and the improper exposure of sensitive data. The security implications extend beyond simple credential theft, as the database likely contains additional sensitive information including user accounts, system configurations, and potentially application logic that could aid in further exploitation. The flaw demonstrates poor security practices in web application development where security controls are not properly implemented at the file system level, allowing attackers to bypass normal application access controls through direct file system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and immediate for any system running ASP-CMS 1.0. Remote attackers can gain unauthorized access to user credentials without requiring any authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The exposure of database files creates opportunities for credential reuse attacks, where stolen credentials can be used across multiple systems or applications. Additionally, the presence of database files in the web root indicates poor application architecture and security hardening practices, potentially exposing other sensitive data or configuration files that may be accessible through similar methods. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 credential access and T1083 file and directory discovery, as it enables both unauthorized access to credentials and the discovery of additional sensitive files.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most critical immediate action involves moving the database files outside of the web root directory and implementing proper access controls using authentication mechanisms and authorization checks. Web server configurations should be adjusted to prevent direct access to database files through HTTP requests, with proper file extension restrictions and directory access controls. Application-level access controls should be implemented to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data through legitimate application interfaces. The system should also implement proper logging and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar misconfigurations. Additionally, the application should be updated to a newer version that addresses these security flaws, as ASP-CMS 1.0 is likely outdated and may contain additional vulnerabilities beyond this specific issue.