CVE-2008-5855 in Login Session
Summary
by MITRE
myPHPscripts Login Session 2.0 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to discover usernames, e-mail addresses, and password hashes via a direct request for users.txt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5855 represents a critical security flaw in the myPHPscripts Login Session 2.0 web application that directly violates fundamental principles of secure information handling and access control. This issue stems from the improper storage of sensitive authentication data in a location that is publicly accessible through the web server, creating an immediate and severe risk for any system running this vulnerable software. The flaw specifically affects how the application manages user credentials and personal information, exposing critical data to unauthorized parties without proper authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the application's failure to enforce proper access controls on sensitive files stored within the web root directory. When the system stores user information in a file named users.txt, it places this data in a location that can be directly accessed by any remote attacker through standard web requests. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the application fails to validate access permissions before serving sensitive data. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple http requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to execute successfully.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with complete access to user authentication credentials in the form of password hashes. This exposure creates multiple attack vectors including credential reuse attacks, password cracking attempts, and potential account takeovers across systems where the same credentials may be used. The disclosure of email addresses and usernames further enables social engineering attacks and targeted phishing campaigns, while the password hashes themselves can be subjected to offline dictionary attacks or brute force attempts to recover plaintext passwords. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security design practices in data storage and access control implementation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple mitigation strategies to address the exposed sensitive data and prevent further exploitation. The primary remediation involves relocating the users.txt file outside of the web root directory and implementing proper access controls through web server configuration or application-level authentication checks. Additionally, system administrators should review all files within the web root for similar vulnerabilities and ensure that any sensitive data is properly secured through encryption and access control mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper file permissions, and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the use of credential access through insecure storage of credentials. The remediation process should also include implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files, while regular security assessments should verify that no other sensitive data remains exposed in publicly accessible locations.