CVE-2009-0328 in Digital Sales IPN
Summary
by MITRE
ROBS-PROJECTS Digital Sales IPN (aka DS-IPN.NET or DS-IPN Paypal Shop) stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download the database file containing user credentials via a direct request for Database/Sales.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0328 affects ROBS-PROJECTS Digital Sales IPN software, commonly known as DS-IPN.NET or DS-IPN Paypal Shop, which represents a significant security flaw in web application configuration and data protection practices. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the application's file structure, specifically where sensitive database files are stored in directories accessible through standard web requests. The affected system stores the database file Sales.mdb under the web root directory, making it directly accessible to any remote attacker who can formulate a proper HTTP request to retrieve the file.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward but dangerous method where an attacker can directly request the database file through a web browser or automated tools by constructing a URL that points to Database/Sales.mdb. This approach leverages the fundamental principle that web servers should not expose sensitive files directly accessible through HTTP requests without proper authentication and authorization checks. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in access control mechanisms, aligning with CWE-284 which describes inadequate access control leading to unauthorized access to resources. The flaw essentially creates a path traversal scenario where the web application fails to implement proper directory permissions and access restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with direct access to user credentials and potentially sensitive transactional data stored within the Sales.mdb database file. This exposure compromises user privacy and business security, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to customer accounts. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the CIA security triad, as it allows unauthorized data disclosure and potential modification of stored information. Attackers could use the retrieved credentials to impersonate users, conduct fraudulent transactions, or escalate their access privileges within the system. The vulnerability also creates potential for further attacks through credential reuse across other systems where users may have employed the same passwords.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. Organizations should immediately relocate sensitive database files outside the web root directory and implement proper access controls through web server configurations, including setting appropriate file permissions and using .htaccess or equivalent access control mechanisms. The system should enforce authentication and authorization checks before any database access requests are processed, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive data. Security measures should include implementing proper input validation and sanitization to prevent directory traversal attacks, as well as regular security audits to identify and remediate 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 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that sensitive files are no longer accessible through direct web requests and that proper access controls are in place to protect against unauthorized data access. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts, providing visibility into potential security incidents and supporting forensic analysis when required.