CVE-2008-5901 in iyzi Forum
Summary
by MITRE
iyzi Forum 1.0 beta 3 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download the database file containing a password via a direct request for db/iyziforum.mdb. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-5901 represents a critical security flaw in the iyzi Forum 1.0 beta 3 web application that directly violates fundamental principles of information security and access control. This issue stems from improper configuration and inadequate security measures within the application's file management system, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability specifically affects web applications that store database files in publicly accessible directories without proper access restrictions, fundamentally undermining the security model of the platform.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure placement of the database file iyziForum.mdb within the web root directory structure. This configuration allows any remote attacker to directly access the database file through a simple HTTP request pattern targeting the path db/iyziforum.mdb. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in access control mechanisms, aligning with CWE-284 which addresses inadequate access control and improper access control implementations. The database file contains sensitive user credentials and potentially other confidential information, making this exposure particularly dangerous for system administrators and end users who may have authenticated through the forum.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates a pathway for attackers to potentially escalate privileges and gain deeper system access. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring authentication or specific credentials, making the attack surface extremely broad and accessible. The vulnerability directly enables data leakage attacks that can compromise user accounts, personal information, and potentially lead to further exploitation within the network environment. This type of exposure violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and represents a significant failure in the principle of least privilege, as sensitive data is accessible through predictable paths without proper authorization checks.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation of the file placement issue, ensuring that database files and other sensitive information are stored outside the web root directory and protected by appropriate access controls. Organizations should implement proper directory permissions, utilize secure configuration management practices, and regularly audit their web application file structures to prevent similar exposure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access tactics, emphasizing the need for proper access control implementations. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate insecure direct object references that could lead to unauthorized data access.