CVE-2008-6388 in Rapid Classified
Summary
by MITRE
Rapid Classified 3.1 and 3.15 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 cldb.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6388 affects Rapid Classified versions 3.1 and 3.15, representing a critical misconfiguration that exposes sensitive data through inadequate access controls. This flaw resides in the web application's handling of database files, specifically the cldb.mdb file which contains classified information. The issue stems from the application's improper deployment methodology where database files are stored within the web root directory structure, making them directly accessible through standard web requests without proper authentication or authorization checks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a straightforward attack pattern where remote attackers can directly request the database file through a web browser or automated tools by accessing the specific path where cldb.mdb is stored. This represents a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture, as it violates the principle of least privilege and fails to implement proper file access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. Additionally, this flaw demonstrates characteristics of CWE-73, improper control of filename for a path traversal attack, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths before serving them to users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed database likely contains classified listings, user information, and other sensitive data that could be exploited for identity theft, fraud, or competitive intelligence gathering. Attackers could potentially gain access to user credentials, contact information, classified advertisements, and other proprietary data that the application was designed to protect. This exposure creates significant risk for both the organization operating the classified system and the individuals whose information is stored within the database, potentially leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper file placement outside the web root directory and implementation of robust access control mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that database files are stored in secure locations with appropriate file system permissions and that web applications implement proper authentication and authorization checks before serving any sensitive data. The solution should also include input validation to prevent path traversal attacks and regular security audits to identify similar misconfigurations. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, which emphasizes the critical nature of proper access control and secure file handling. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a privilege escalation technique through insecure file permissions, where the adversary leverages misconfigured access controls to gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources.