CVE-2007-6395 in Board
Summary
by MITRE
Flat PHP Board 1.2 and earlier stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain credentials via a direct request for the username php file for any user account in users/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6395 affects Flat PHP Board version 1.2 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in web application configuration and access control mechanisms. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the application's directory structure, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure that directly impacts user authentication security.
The technical flaw manifests when the Flat PHP Board application stores user credentials and sensitive account information within the web root directory structure without implementing proper access controls or authentication checks. Specifically, the application places user account data in a directory named users/ which is accessible through the web server's document root, allowing attackers to directly request files containing user credentials simply by knowing the appropriate file naming conventions. This configuration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper data isolation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to enumerate user accounts and potentially compromise multiple user sessions within the application. Remote attackers can systematically access username files in the users/ directory without requiring authentication, leading to account takeover scenarios and unauthorized access to user data. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and CWE-264, covering permissions, privileges, and access controls. The flaw enables adversaries to achieve initial access and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous in production environments. Attackers need only to construct direct requests to the users/ directory to retrieve user account information, which can then be used for further attacks including password spraying, credential stuffing, or social engineering campaigns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the credential access phase, where adversaries harvest credentials from compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6395 require immediate implementation of proper access controls and secure configuration practices. Organizations should relocate sensitive data files outside the web root directory structure, implement proper authentication checks for all sensitive file access, and ensure that user account information is stored in encrypted formats. The recommended solution involves configuring the web server to deny direct access to sensitive directories and files, implementing proper file permissions, and ensuring that all user data is properly secured through access control lists. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that sensitive information is not inadvertently exposed through web server configurations, aligning with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for information security controls.