CVE-2007-5913 in JBC Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
dirsys/modules/auth.php in JBC Explorer 7.20 RC1 and earlier does not require authentication, which allows remote attackers to (1) delete auth.inc.php via the suppr parameter, and (2) re-create the auth.inc.php file with contents that specify a new account name and password for JBC Explorer via the login and password parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5913 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the JBC Explorer web application version 7.20 RC1 and earlier. This issue stems from the improper handling of authentication requirements in the directory system authentication module, specifically in the dirsys/modules/auth.php file. The flaw fundamentally undermines the application's security model by allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to manipulate core authentication files without any authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exposes a dangerous path where attackers can leverage the suppr parameter to delete the auth.inc.php file, effectively removing the authentication mechanism from the application. This deletion creates a window of opportunity for attackers to subsequently recreate the authentication file using the login and password parameters. The vulnerability operates through a simple yet effective exploitation pattern that bypasses all intended authentication controls, making it particularly dangerous for systems where administrative access is required to manage user credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to completely compromise the authentication system of JBC Explorer installations. The ability to delete and recreate authentication files means that unauthorized individuals can establish their own administrative accounts with predetermined credentials, potentially gaining full control over the application's directory structure and user management capabilities. This represents a severe privilege escalation vulnerability that transforms a simple access control bypass into a complete system compromise scenario.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and demonstrates how the absence of proper authentication checks can lead to complete system compromise. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing, as it allows adversaries to establish persistent access through legitimate administrative accounts. The flaw also relates to T1484 Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to create new valid accounts within the system without proper authorization.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including immediate patching of JBC Explorer to versions that address this authentication bypass issue, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to the vulnerable application, and conducting thorough security audits of all authentication mechanisms. Additional protective measures should include monitoring for unauthorized file modifications in the directory system modules and implementing proper access controls that prevent remote execution of administrative functions. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper authentication controls and the potential for seemingly minor configuration flaws to result in complete system compromise.