CVE-2008-6055 in Pre Classified Listings
Summary
by MITRE
PreProjects Pre Classified Listings stores pclasp.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-2008-6055 affects PreProjects Pre Classified Listings software where the application stores a Microsoft Access database file named pclasp.mdb within the web root directory structure. This configuration represents a critical security misconfiguration that directly violates fundamental principles of web application security and access control. The database file contains sensitive information including user credentials and system data that should never be exposed to unauthenticated remote users. This flaw constitutes a classic case of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, where the application fails to properly restrict access to sensitive resources. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to directly access the database file through a simple HTTP request, eliminating the need for any authentication or authorization mechanisms to be bypassed. This exposure creates an immediate and severe risk to the system's integrity and confidentiality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to enforce proper access controls on web-accessible resources. When a database file is stored in the web root directory, it becomes directly accessible through standard HTTP protocols without any authentication requirements. The database contains passwords and other sensitive information that should be protected through proper access controls and database security mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects the web application's resource management practices and demonstrates a lack of proper security hardening. This misconfiguration allows attackers to bypass all application-level security controls and directly retrieve the database content, which typically contains user credentials, system configurations, and potentially other sensitive data. The vulnerability operates at the file system level rather than application level, making it particularly dangerous as it circumvents all application-layer security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Remote attackers can directly download the entire database file and extract user credentials, which may include administrative accounts with elevated privileges. This exposure enables attackers to perform unauthorized access to the classified listings system, potentially leading to data manipulation, theft, or complete system takeover. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for credential reuse attacks, where stolen passwords can be used to access other systems within the same network or organization. The impact extends beyond immediate data theft to include potential regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and legal consequences. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Credential Access and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage stolen credentials to maintain persistent access to the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves removing the database file from the web root directory and storing it in a secure, non-web-accessible location with proper access controls. Application-level access controls should be implemented to ensure that database resources are only accessible through authenticated and authorized application processes. Configuration management practices must be strengthened to prevent future occurrences of similar misconfigurations. Network segmentation and proper firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to sensitive resources. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of proper input validation, secure coding practices, and regular security updates forms the foundation for preventing such access control failures. Organizations should also establish proper incident response procedures to quickly identify and address unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure configuration management practices and implementing proper security controls from the initial development and deployment phases. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the database is no longer accessible through direct web requests while maintaining proper application functionality.