CVE-2009-1085 in Piwik
Summary
by MITRE
Piwik 0.2.32 and earlier stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain the API key and other sensitive information via a direct request for misc/cron/archive.sh.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1085 affects Piwik versions 0.2.32 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in the application's access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the improper placement of sensitive configuration files within the web root directory structure, creating an exploitable condition that directly exposes critical system information to unauthorized users. The vulnerability specifically targets the storage of API keys and other sensitive data in locations accessible through standard web requests, fundamentally undermining the application's security posture.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the insecure storage of sensitive information in the misc/cron/archive.sh file path, which is accessible without proper authentication or authorization checks. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control, where the application fails to enforce proper directory permissions or access restrictions on files containing confidential data. Attackers can directly request this file through standard HTTP methods, bypassing any intended security controls that should normally prevent unauthorized access to system configuration and authentication credentials. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor through which remote attackers can obtain administrative API keys and other sensitive information without requiring any valid credentials or authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed API keys can be leveraged to perform unauthorized administrative actions within the Piwik system. This includes but is not limited to data manipulation, user account management, system configuration changes, and potentially complete system compromise depending on the privileges associated with the compromised API keys. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system or network. This exposure creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Piwik for web analytics, as the compromise of API keys can lead to data theft, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes insecure file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms, and demonstrates clear characteristics of the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 related to valid accounts and credential access. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including moving sensitive configuration files outside the web root directory, implementing proper file permissions and access controls, and ensuring that all sensitive data is properly secured through appropriate authorization mechanisms. The fix requires a comprehensive review of the application's file placement strategy and access control policies to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the system. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits to identify and remediate similar insecure configurations that may exist in other parts of their web applications and infrastructure.