CVE-2009-3199 in Uebimiau
Summary
by MITRE
Uebimiau Webmail 3.2.0-2.0 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database with usernames and password hashes via a direct request for system_admin/admin.ucf.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3199 affects Uebimiau Webmail version 3.2.0-2.0 and represents a critical security flaw related to improper access control mechanisms. This vulnerability stems from the application's insecure handling of sensitive data storage practices, where critical system information is placed within the web root directory without adequate protection measures. The flaw allows unauthorized remote attackers to directly access and retrieve sensitive database files through simple HTTP requests, bypassing normal authentication and authorization protocols that should normally protect such information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web application's failure to enforce proper access controls on files containing user credentials and system administration data. Specifically, the file system_admin/admin.ucf contains usernames and password hashes that are stored in a location accessible to anyone who can make direct HTTP requests to the web server. This misconfiguration directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure by design, as sensitive data is exposed through predictable file paths that do not require authentication to access. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as it eliminates the need for any authentication credentials to access the sensitive data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using the affected webmail system, as it provides attackers with immediate access to credential information that can be used for various malicious activities. The password hashes obtained through this vulnerability can be subjected to offline password cracking attacks, potentially compromising all user accounts within the system. Additionally, the presence of administrative credentials in the exposed database file creates opportunities for attackers to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise the entire webmail infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special tools or complex exploitation techniques beyond simple web browser navigation or basic HTTP client utilities.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential theft to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage the exposed administrative information to perform privilege escalation attacks, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent access through compromised accounts. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for lateral movement within network environments where the webmail system is integrated with other services. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1078, which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials, highlights the importance of protecting administrative access points and implementing proper access control measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper file access controls, ensuring that sensitive database files are stored outside the web root directory and protected by appropriate access permissions. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to block direct requests to system administration files and establish monitoring for suspicious access patterns. Regular security audits should verify that sensitive data is properly secured and that access controls are appropriately configured. The remediation process must include removing the vulnerable files from publicly accessible locations and implementing proper authentication mechanisms for any administrative interfaces. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to detect similar misconfigurations in other web applications and ensure that proper security configurations are maintained throughout the application lifecycle.