CVE-2008-6321 in CF Shopkart
Summary
by MITRE
CF Shopkart 5.2.2 stores cfshopkart52.mdb under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords, via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6321 affects CF Shopkart version 5.2.2, a web-based e-commerce platform that suffers from improper access control mechanisms. This flaw stems from the application's configuration where it places its primary database file cfshopkart52.mdb directly within the web root directory structure. The database file contains sensitive user information including usernames and passwords, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to the system's user credentials. This configuration represents a fundamental security misconfiguration that violates basic principles of information security and access control.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and CWE-284, which covers improper access control mechanisms. The flaw operates through a simple yet effective attack vector where remote attackers can directly request the database file through HTTP, bypassing any authentication or authorization checks that should normally protect such sensitive data. The database file is accessible via a predictable path, making exploitation straightforward for attackers who discover the location through reconnaissance or by examining the application's file structure. This vulnerability essentially eliminates the need for complex exploitation techniques, as the sensitive data is directly exposed to anyone who knows or can guess the file path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with immediate access to the entire user base of the e-commerce platform. The compromised credentials could be used for account takeover attacks, unauthorized transactions, or as a foothold for further network infiltration. Additionally, the exposure of user credentials may lead to cascading security issues if users reuse passwords across multiple systems. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to the organization's reputation and compliance with data protection regulations, as it exposes personal and financial information without any form of access control. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through various means.
The primary mitigation strategy involves removing the database file from the web root directory and ensuring that all sensitive data files are stored outside of the web-accessible directories. Organizations should implement proper file access controls and ensure that database files are protected through appropriate permissions and access control lists. The application should also be configured to prevent directory traversal attacks and ensure that all file access is properly authenticated and authorized. Regular security audits should be conducted to verify that sensitive files are not inadvertently exposed through misconfigurations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent direct requests to sensitive files, while regular updates and patches should be applied to address known vulnerabilities in the application. The remediation process should include reconfiguring the application's file structure to ensure that no sensitive data is accessible through simple HTTP requests.