CVE-2008-5218 in FREEze Greetings
Summary
by MITRE
ScriptsEz FREEze Greetings 1.0 stores pwd.txt under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain cleartext passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5218 affects ScriptsEz FREEze Greetings version 1.0, representing a critical security flaw in web application configuration and access control mechanisms. This issue stems from improper file placement and permission settings within the application's directory structure, creating an exploitable condition that compromises user authentication credentials. The vulnerability specifically involves the storage of a password file named pwd.txt in a location accessible through the web root directory, which fundamentally undermines the security posture of the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate access control measures that fail to properly restrict access to sensitive files within the web server's document root. When a password file is stored in the web root directory without proper authorization controls, it becomes accessible to any remote attacker who can navigate to the specific path where the file resides. This configuration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper file permissions, allowing unauthorized access to cleartext passwords that should remain protected within the application's secure confines. The vulnerability falls under CWE-276, which specifically addresses incorrect access control, and represents a classic case of insecure file handling in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as remote attackers can immediately obtain cleartext passwords without requiring any specialized tools or complex exploitation techniques. This access enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or further lateral movement within the network. The cleartext nature of the passwords means that successful exploitation provides immediate authentication capabilities without the need for additional cracking or decryption efforts. This vulnerability directly enables credential stuffing attacks, privilege escalation, and persistent access to the affected system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application serves as a gateway to other systems.
The security implications extend beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader threats including unauthorized system access, data breaches, and potential compliance violations. Organizations using ScriptsEz FREEze Greetings version 1.0 face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information, especially in environments where the application may be used for administrative purposes or contains user authentication data. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene in application deployment and configuration management, highlighting the importance of proper file permission settings and access control implementation. Mitigation strategies should include immediate relocation of sensitive files outside the web root directory, implementation of proper access controls using web server configuration files, and application of appropriate file permissions to prevent unauthorized access to password files and other sensitive data.
Recommended remediation measures involve moving the pwd.txt file to a secure location outside the web root directory and implementing proper access controls using standard web server mechanisms such as .htaccess files or equivalent access control lists. The application should be configured to restrict access to sensitive files through proper file permissions and directory access controls, ensuring that only authorized processes can read or modify these critical files. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive security auditing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems, as this type of misconfiguration represents a common security flaw in web application deployments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of following security best practices in web application development and deployment, including proper file management, access control implementation, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate potential security flaws.