CVE-2008-5932 in FreeForum
Summary
by MITRE
CodeAvalanche FreeForum 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 _private/CAForum.mdb. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical misconfiguration in CodeAvalanche FreeForum software that exposes sensitive database files to unauthorized access. The flaw occurs when the application stores the database file CAForum.mdb in a location accessible through the web root directory structure, specifically under the _private folder path. This configuration violates fundamental security principles by placing sensitive data in a publicly accessible location without proper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a weak access control issue that allows remote attackers to directly request and download database files containing user credentials and other sensitive information. This type of exposure falls under CWE-276, which addresses incorrect access control, and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities that enable unauthorized data access. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or exploitation of other vulnerabilities to gain access to the database file.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates poor security architecture where the application fails to implement proper access controls for sensitive resources. When users navigate to the URL path _private/CAForum.mdb, the web server serves the database file directly without verifying user credentials or authorization levels. This misconfiguration creates an environment where any remote attacker can bypass authentication mechanisms simply by knowing the database file name and location. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exposes not only the database content but potentially user passwords, session information, and other sensitive data stored within the Access database format. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which involves data from information repositories, and specifically targets the credential access phase of the attack lifecycle. The exposure of database files through web-accessible directories represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and proper resource isolation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to create significant risks for organizations using the affected software. Remote attackers can immediately obtain database files containing user credentials, which may lead to account compromise, privilege escalation, and further system infiltration. The vulnerability allows for automated exploitation through simple web requests, making it particularly attractive to threat actors who may use bots or scripts to systematically scan for such misconfigurations. Organizations may face compliance violations under various regulatory frameworks including pci dss, hipaa, and gdpr, which mandate proper protection of sensitive data and require organizations to implement access controls for data repositories. The exposure of user credentials stored in the database could result in widespread authentication bypasses, potentially allowing attackers to access multiple systems if users reuse passwords. Additionally, the presence of this vulnerability indicates broader security misconfigurations within the application that may expose other sensitive data or functionality.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct fix involves moving the database file outside the web root directory structure and implementing proper access controls using web server configuration files or application-level authentication mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that sensitive files are stored in server-side directories that are not accessible through web requests and that proper authentication is enforced before any database access is permitted. The implementation of proper file access controls using .htaccess files, web.config settings, or application-level security measures can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar misconfigurations in other applications and systems. Organizations should implement automated scanning tools to detect exposed database files and other sensitive resources that may be accessible through web directories, as this vulnerability type often exists in legacy applications where proper security hardening was not implemented. The remediation process should also include updating the application to a version that properly handles database file access or implementing proper access control mechanisms that prevent direct file access through web interfaces.