CVE-2009-1495 in Web File Explorer
Summary
by MITRE
Web File Explorer 3.1 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database via a direct request for data/db.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1495 affects Web File Explorer version 3.1, a web-based file management application that exposes critical security flaws through improper handling of sensitive data storage and access controls. This weakness resides in the application's configuration where database files are stored in locations accessible to web users without adequate authorization mechanisms, creating a fundamental breach in the application's security architecture.
The technical flaw represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability, where the application fails to implement proper access controls for database files stored within the web root directory. Specifically, the file data/db.mdb is directly accessible through web requests without authentication or authorization checks, allowing any remote attacker to obtain a direct path to the database file. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly isolate sensitive data from public web access, creating a path for unauthorized data exfiltration that aligns with CWE-22 weakness classification for improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as the database file contains potentially sensitive information that could include user credentials, application configuration details, or business data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform automated data harvesting, leading to potential account compromise, system reconnaissance, and further exploitation opportunities. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple http requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical skill or resources to exploit effectively.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the data exposure tactic, where adversaries can access sensitive data through improperly protected resources. The vulnerability also relates to the privilege escalation and credential access phases of attack, as database contents may contain authentication information or system configuration details that can facilitate further compromise. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including restricting web root access to sensitive files, implementing proper access controls for database files, and ensuring that database files are stored outside of the web-accessible directory structure.
Recommended remediation strategies include moving database files to non-web-accessible directories, implementing proper authentication and authorization checks for all file access requests, and conducting thorough security reviews of web applications to identify similar direct object reference vulnerabilities. The fix should address the root cause by ensuring that sensitive data cannot be accessed through simple web requests without proper authorization, thereby preventing unauthorized access to database contents and protecting against potential data breaches that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality.