CVE-2008-5773 in Nukedit
Summary
by MITRE
Nukedit 4.9.8 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download the database file containing usernames and passwords via a direct request for database/dbsite.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5773 affects Nukedit version 4.9.8 and represents a critical misconfiguration that exposes sensitive data through improper access control mechanisms. This flaw resides in the web application's directory structure where database files are stored with inadequate permissions, creating an exploitable condition that directly compromises user authentication credentials and system integrity. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure coding practices and proper resource management within web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's improper handling of database file storage and access permissions. When Nukedit 4.9.8 installs or operates, it places the database file dbsite.mdb directly within the web root directory structure, making it accessible through standard http requests. This configuration violates basic security principles of least privilege and proper resource isolation, as the database file contains user credentials and other sensitive information that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The flaw specifically allows remote attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms by directly requesting the database file through a predictable path, eliminating the need for additional exploitation techniques or privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed database contains usernames and passwords that can be immediately leveraged for unauthorized access to the affected system. Attackers can directly download the database file and extract authentication credentials, potentially enabling them to gain administrative access to the web application, compromise user accounts, and escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains exploitable as long as the misconfigured file remains accessible, making it particularly dangerous for applications handling user authentication data. The exposure of password hashes or plain text credentials provides attackers with direct means to compromise system integrity and user privacy.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including restricting web server access to sensitive directories, moving database files outside of web root accessible paths, and implementing proper access controls using authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-275 permissions issues and represents a classic example of insecure direct object references as categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify similar misconfigurations across their web applications, implement proper file access controls, and ensure that sensitive data is stored in appropriately secured locations. Additionally, regular security testing including directory traversal and access control assessments should be performed to prevent similar vulnerabilities from persisting in production environments.