CVE-2008-6053 in Pre Resume Submitter
Summary
by MITRE
PreProjects Pre Resume Submitter stores onlineresume.mdb under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain passwords via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6053 affects PreProjects Pre Resume Submitter software where the application stores the database file onlineresume.mdb within the web root directory structure. This represents a critical configuration flaw that violates fundamental security principles of web application development. The database file contains sensitive information including user credentials that are accessible through direct HTTP requests without proper authentication mechanisms. This misconfiguration allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly retrieve database contents, potentially exposing user passwords and other confidential data. The issue stems from inadequate file access control policies and improper security hardening of the web application environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through simple HTTP requests targeting the specific database file location within the web root. Attackers can directly access the onlineresume.mdb file by constructing appropriate URLs that point to the database location, bypassing any authentication or authorization checks that should normally protect sensitive data. This type of vulnerability is classified as a weak access control issue and aligns with CWE-285, which addresses insufficient authorization problems in software systems. The flaw essentially creates an information disclosure vulnerability where sensitive data is exposed due to improper file permissions and directory structure configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security implications for the affected system. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability gain access to user passwords stored in the database, potentially enabling them to compromise user accounts across multiple systems. This exposure creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the PreProjects Pre Resume Submitter platform, as it provides attackers with a direct pathway to obtain authentication credentials without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The vulnerability also indicates poor security practices in the application's deployment and configuration, potentially leaving other sensitive data exposed to similar attacks.
Security mitigations for CVE-2008-6053 should focus on immediate remediation of the database file placement and access control configuration. Organizations must move sensitive database files outside the web root directory structure and implement proper access controls using web server configuration files or application-level security measures. The database should be protected through appropriate file permissions, directory restrictions, and authentication mechanisms that prevent direct access to sensitive files. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control checks at the application level can prevent unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, where sensitive resources are protected through proper access control mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for attempts to access sensitive files through direct requests, aligning with defensive strategies recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for credential access and defense evasion techniques.