CVE-2009-0767 in Kipper
Summary
by MITRE
Kipper 2.01 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a file containing credentials via a direct request for job/config.data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0767 affects Kipper 2.01, a web-based application that manages print jobs and configurations. This issue represents a critical misconfiguration that exposes sensitive data through improper access controls. The flaw stems from the application's improper handling of file permissions and directory structure, where critical configuration files containing authentication credentials are stored in a location accessible to unauthenticated users. The specific file mentioned as job/config.data contains sensitive information that should normally be protected from unauthorized access. This misconfiguration allows remote attackers to directly request this file through a web browser or automated tools, bypassing all intended security controls. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in the application's security architecture where the principle of least privilege is violated, as files containing credentials are stored in publicly accessible directories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a straightforward HTTP request to the specific file path job/config.data, which reveals the contents of the configuration file containing user credentials and potentially system access information. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically relates to CWE-532, which addresses information exposure through file system access. The attack vector is classified as network-based remote access, meaning no local system compromise is required to exploit this weakness. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to obtain authentication credentials that could potentially be used for further exploitation or lateral movement within the network. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference, where the application provides direct access to internal objects without proper authorization checks, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate exposure of credentials, as the stolen information could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to the print management system and potentially other connected systems. The compromised credentials might allow attackers to modify print jobs, access sensitive documents, or even escalate privileges within the application. Organizations using Kipper 2.01 are particularly vulnerable because the flaw exists at the application configuration level rather than requiring complex exploitation techniques. This vulnerability also impacts the overall security posture by potentially exposing the system to credential stuffing attacks where stolen credentials are used against other services. The exposure of configuration files may also reveal system architecture details, network topology information, and potentially other sensitive configuration parameters that could aid in further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper file access controls and directory permissions. The most effective solution involves moving sensitive configuration files outside the web root directory and implementing proper access controls using web server configuration files or application-level authorization checks. Organizations should ensure that all files containing sensitive information are properly protected through authentication mechanisms and that access to configuration directories is restricted to authorized personnel only. The implementation of proper input validation and access control lists should be enforced to prevent direct object reference attacks. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar misconfigurations in other applications. System administrators should also implement monitoring and alerting for unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files, and consider implementing automated scanning tools to detect such misconfigurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper security hardening procedures, particularly for web applications that handle sensitive data, as outlined in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.