CVE-2008-6147 in ForumApp
Summary
by MITRE
ForumApp 3.3 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database via a direct request for (1) data/8690.mdb or (2) data/8690BAK.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2024
This vulnerability exists in ForumApp version 3.3 where sensitive database files are stored in the web root directory with inadequate access controls. The flaw allows remote attackers to directly access and download database files through simple HTTP requests targeting specific paths such as data/8690.mdb or data/8690BAK.mdb. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the application fails to implement proper authentication and authorization checks before serving sensitive data. This issue falls under CWE-22 known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for data from information repositories. The exposed database files likely contain user credentials, forum posts, personal information, and other sensitive data that could be exploited for further attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance, extract user accounts, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the compromised database may contain application logic, configuration details, or other sensitive information that could aid in subsequent compromise attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in web application development where sensitive data is stored in publicly accessible directories without proper access controls. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it highly attractive to automated attack tools. Organizations using ForumApp 3.3 should immediately implement proper access controls, move database files outside the web root, and ensure that all sensitive data is protected through appropriate authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and proper input validation to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to enforce proper access control mechanisms when serving database files. When users request the specific database paths, the web server simply serves the files without verifying whether the requester has appropriate authorization levels. This represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where the principle of least privilege is not enforced. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-22 because the application does not properly validate or restrict access to files within the web root directory. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations as it allows attackers to obtain complete database dumps without requiring any advanced exploitation techniques. The exposed database files may contain user account credentials, session information, forum content, and potentially application configuration data that could be used for privilege escalation or additional attack vectors. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where ForumApp is used for community forums or platforms handling sensitive user information. The lack of proper access controls creates a persistent risk that remains active until the underlying issue is resolved through code modification or configuration changes. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 which focuses on accessing data repositories, making it a critical target for both automated scanning tools and manual penetration testing efforts. The remediation approach must include moving database files outside the web accessible directories and implementing proper authentication checks before serving any sensitive data. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.