CVE-2008-5762 in Simple Text-File Login Script
Summary
by MITRE
Simple Text-File Login Script (SiTeFiLo) 1.0.6 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download the database file containing the password via a direct request for slog_users.txt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5762 affects Simple Text-File Login Script (SiTeFiLo) version 1.0.6, representing a critical security flaw in how the application handles sensitive data storage and access control. This issue stems from the application's improper configuration where database files containing user credentials are stored in directories accessible through the web root, creating an exploitable condition that directly undermines the fundamental security principles of information protection and access control. The vulnerability specifically impacts the storage of user authentication data in a file named slog_users.txt, which contains password information in a format that can be easily retrieved by unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the application's failure to enforce proper access controls and directory permissions for sensitive files. When SiTeFiLo 1.0.6 stores user authentication data in the web root directory, it creates a scenario where any remote attacker can directly request the database file through a simple HTTP GET request. This design decision violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical misconfiguration in the application's security architecture. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that require sensitive data to be stored outside of web-accessible directories and protected by appropriate access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with immediate access to all user credentials stored in the system. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring any authentication or specialized tools beyond basic web browsing capabilities, making the attack surface extremely broad and accessible. The exposure of password data through direct file access represents a complete failure of the application's authentication security model and can lead to widespread account compromise across all users of the affected system. This vulnerability directly enables credential stuffing attacks, lateral movement within networks, and potential privilege escalation scenarios that can compromise the entire application ecosystem.
The attack vector for this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 credential access tactic, specifically targeting legitimate credentials through insecure storage practices. This type of vulnerability exemplifies the common pattern of insecure data storage that has been repeatedly documented in security assessments and represents a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture. Organizations using SiTeFiLo 1.0.6 are exposed to immediate and persistent threats, as the vulnerability remains active until proper remediation is implemented. The impact extends beyond individual user accounts to potentially compromise the entire web application infrastructure and associated systems that rely on the compromised authentication data.
Recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate relocation of sensitive database files outside of web-accessible directories, implementation of proper file permission controls, and enforcement of access control mechanisms that prevent direct file retrieval through web requests. The application should be updated to version 1.0.7 or later, which includes fixes for this specific vulnerability. System administrators must also implement proper security monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts and ensure that sensitive data is properly encrypted both at rest and in transit. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security audits, and establishing proper incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability.