CVE-2007-5743 in ViewVC
Summary
by MITRE
viewvc 1.0.3 allows improper access control to files in a repository when using the "forbidden" configuration option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5743 affects ViewVC version 1.0.3, a web-based interface for viewing cvs repository contents. This issue stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the software's configuration handling, specifically when the "forbidden" option is implemented. The flaw represents a critical security weakness that can compromise repository integrity and data confidentiality. ViewVC serves as an essential tool for developers and administrators to access version control system repositories through web interfaces, making it a prime target for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability arises from the software's failure to properly validate access permissions when processing repository files, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to bypass intended security restrictions. This misconfiguration can lead to exposure of sensitive source code, documentation, and other repository contents that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within ViewVC's access control subsystem where the "forbidden" configuration parameter fails to properly enforce repository access restrictions. When administrators configure this setting to restrict access to certain files or directories, the software does not adequately validate whether users possess proper authorization levels to access the requested resources. This improper access control mechanism allows authenticated users to potentially access files they should not be permitted to view, effectively undermining the security model that the "forbidden" option was designed to implement. The flaw demonstrates a classic weakness in privilege management where the system fails to properly enforce access control policies, creating a scenario where legitimate access restrictions are circumvented through improper configuration handling. The vulnerability manifests when the software processes repository requests and fails to cross-reference user permissions against the configured forbidden access rules, resulting in unauthorized data disclosure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to significant security breaches within development environments and enterprise repositories. Organizations relying on ViewVC for source code management may experience data leaks of sensitive intellectual property, proprietary algorithms, or confidential documentation that should remain protected. The vulnerability can be exploited by both internal and external attackers who gain access to the ViewVC interface, potentially leading to complete repository compromise. This weakness particularly affects organizations that depend on strict access controls for their version control systems, as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions that administrators make when configuring repository access policies. The impact is amplified in environments where multiple development teams collaborate on shared repositories, as unauthorized access to certain modules or components can result in information disclosure that affects competitive advantage and regulatory compliance.
Security mitigations for CVE-2007-5743 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the access control implementation flaw. Organizations must thoroughly review their ViewVC configuration files to ensure proper access control settings are implemented and validated. The recommended approach includes implementing additional authentication layers, such as two-factor authentication or integrated LDAP/Active Directory authentication, to strengthen overall security posture. System administrators should conduct comprehensive access control audits to verify that repository permissions align with organizational security policies. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to ViewVC interfaces can provide defense-in-depth protection. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar access control weaknesses in other repository management tools and web applications within the organization's infrastructure.