CVE-2008-6494 in ASP User Engine.NET
Summary
by MITRE
ASP User Engine.NET stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database via a direct request for users.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6494 represents a critical misconfiguration in ASP User Engine.NET applications that exposes sensitive data through improper access controls. This flaw exists within the web application's file system permissions and directory structure, where database files are stored in locations accessible to remote users without proper authentication mechanisms. The specific issue involves the storage of user credentials and personal information within a database file named users.mdb, which is positioned in a location that can be directly accessed through web requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the web application's directory structure. When the ASP User Engine.NET application is configured without proper access restrictions, the database file becomes directly accessible through standard HTTP requests. This misconfiguration allows attackers to construct direct URLs pointing to the database file, bypassing normal application authentication and authorization mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects web applications where sensitive data is stored in database files within the web root directory structure, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by any remote user with knowledge of the file path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it directly compromises user authentication data and personal information stored within the application. Attackers can gain unauthorized access to user accounts, passwords, and other sensitive personal data without requiring any valid credentials or authentication tokens. This exposure creates significant risks for organizations using the affected software, as it enables credential theft, identity theft, and potential lateral movement within compromised networks. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a direct path to obtain user credentials and personal information that would normally be protected by proper access controls and authentication mechanisms.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation and inadequate directory access controls that violate fundamental security principles. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to stored data through direct file system access. The attack pattern also corresponds to T1078 for Valid Accounts, as compromised credentials can be used for further unauthorized access within the organization's network infrastructure.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve implementing proper access controls and directory permissions for sensitive files. Organizations should relocate database files outside of the web root directory structure and ensure that all sensitive data files are protected through proper authentication mechanisms. Web server configuration should be reviewed to prevent direct access to database files and other sensitive resources through HTTP requests. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions, access control lists, and regular security audits can help prevent similar misconfigurations. The most effective solution involves ensuring that database files are not directly accessible through web requests and that proper authentication and authorization mechanisms are enforced for all data access operations, thereby preventing the exploitation of this specific access control flaw.