CVE-2008-6382 in ASPPortal
Summary
by MITRE
ASP Portal 3.2.5 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download the database file via a direct request to ASPPortal.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6382 affects ASP Portal version 3.2.5 and represents a critical misconfiguration that exposes sensitive data through inadequate access controls. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of database files within its web directory structure, creating an attack vector that allows remote exploitation without authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the ASPPortal.mdb database file which contains potentially sensitive information including user credentials, application configuration details, and other confidential data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient access control mechanisms that fail to properly restrict access to database files stored within the web root directory. When the ASP Portal application places its database file in a location accessible via standard web protocols, it creates an opportunity for attackers to directly request and download the database file using simple HTTP requests. This misconfiguration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper resource isolation, as the database file becomes accessible through predictable file paths that do not require authentication or authorization checks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-275 as "Permission Issues" and specifically relates to CWE-552 which addresses "Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties."
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as the downloaded database file may contain user credentials, application configuration parameters, and other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further attacks. Attackers can utilize this information to perform credential stuffing attacks, escalate privileges within the application, or gain deeper insights into the system architecture. The vulnerability also provides attackers with potential access to application logic, database schema information, and other data that could be used for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can use the exposed data to craft more sophisticated social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6382 must address both the immediate exposure and underlying architectural issues. The primary recommendation involves relocating database files outside the web root directory to prevent direct web access and implementing proper access controls through web server configurations or application-level authorization checks. Organizations should also implement proper file permissions, ensure database files are stored in secure locations with restricted access, and regularly audit their web application configurations to identify similar misconfigurations. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help monitor for attempts to access sensitive files through direct requests. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, secure configuration management, and regular security assessments to prevent similar exposure scenarios that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality.