CVE-2008-5601 in Asp User Engine
Summary
by MITRE
User Engine Lite ASP stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download the database file via a direct request for users.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5601 affects User Engine Lite ASP, a web application framework that handles user management functionalities. This issue stems from improper configuration of file permissions and access controls within the web application's directory structure. The core flaw lies in the application's design where sensitive database files are stored in locations accessible through standard web requests, creating an avenue for unauthorized data extraction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to enforce proper access controls on database files stored within the web root directory. Specifically, the users.mdb file containing user credentials and related information is placed in a location where web requests can directly access it without authentication. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control mechanisms, where the application does not validate user permissions before serving sensitive data files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 related to data from information repositories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote attackers to directly download the database file through simple HTTP requests. This exposure allows threat actors to obtain user credentials, personal information, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability essentially provides a complete bypass of the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, as the database file can be accessed without any prior authentication. This creates a high-risk scenario where sensitive user data becomes immediately accessible to anyone who can make direct requests to the web server.
Organizations utilizing User Engine Lite ASP should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves relocating database files outside the web root directory and configuring proper access controls through web server configuration files. Additionally, implementing authentication checks before serving any database files, using proper file permission settings, and establishing monitoring for unauthorized access attempts are critical defensive measures. The mitigation approach should also include regular security audits of web application configurations to prevent similar issues in other components. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and proper separation of concerns in web application design, where sensitive data should never be stored in publicly accessible directories without adequate protection mechanisms.