CVE-2007-6512 in PHP MySQL Banner Exchange
Summary
by MITRE
PHP MySQL Banner Exchange 2.2.1 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain database information via a direct request to inc/lib.inc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6512 affects PHP MySQL Banner Exchange version 2.2.1, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the application's directory structure. This issue resides in the application's architecture where database connection parameters and other sensitive configuration information are stored in a location accessible to remote attackers, directly violating fundamental security principles of information hiding and access control. The vulnerability specifically manifests when attackers can directly access the inc/lib.inc file through a web request, bypassing normal application authentication and authorization mechanisms.
The technical flaw represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability, where the application fails to implement proper access controls for sensitive files located within the web root directory. This weakness allows unauthorized users to retrieve database credentials, connection strings, and other confidential information that would normally be protected within the application's secure configuration files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it eliminates the need for authentication or authorization checks, making it exploitable by any remote attacker who can formulate a direct HTTP request to the affected file path. This type of flaw falls under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories, where adversaries gain access to sensitive data through direct file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as successful exploitation provides attackers with immediate access to database credentials and connection parameters that can be leveraged for further attacks within the network infrastructure. Attackers can use the obtained database information to establish direct database connections, potentially leading to data exfiltration, manipulation of database contents, or even lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform reconnaissance activities to identify other potential targets within the same database environment, as the stolen credentials may grant access to additional database resources. This type of information disclosure can result in significant financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage to organizations that fail to properly secure their web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6512 must focus on implementing proper access control mechanisms and reorganizing sensitive data storage to prevent unauthorized access. Organizations should immediately relocate sensitive configuration files outside the web root directory and ensure that proper file permissions are enforced to prevent direct web access to critical application files. The implementation of proper authentication and authorization checks should be enforced before any sensitive data can be accessed through the application's interface. Additionally, regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application codebase, while implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious direct file access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to detect similar insecure file access patterns and ensure that all application components properly validate access requests before serving sensitive information. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that the fix does not introduce new functionality issues while maintaining the application's operational integrity.