CVE-2009-3597 in Ddcms
Summary
by MITRE
Digitaldesign CMS 0.1 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download the database file via a direct request for autoconfig.dd.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3597 affects Digitaldesign CMS version 0.1 and represents a critical misconfiguration that exposes sensitive data through improper access controls. This flaw resides in the application's handling of database configuration files, specifically the autoconfig.dd file that contains critical database connection parameters and potentially user credentials. The vulnerability stems from the application's design decision to place sensitive configuration files within the web root directory structure, making them accessible through standard http requests without proper authentication or authorization checks. This misconfiguration allows any remote attacker to directly request and download the database file simply by knowing the file path, fundamentally undermining the security model of the content management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient access control and poor privilege separation. The autoconfig.dd file contains database connection details including username and password information, which when exposed to unauthorized parties can lead to complete database compromise. This issue directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper access controls for sensitive configuration files that are stored in publicly accessible directories. Attackers can exploit this by simply crafting a direct http request to the autoconfig.dd file location, bypassing any application-level authentication mechanisms that should normally protect such sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure. Once an attacker gains access to the database configuration file, they can establish direct database connections and potentially escalate privileges within the system. This exposure creates a pathway for data exfiltration, database manipulation, and further reconnaissance activities that could compromise the entire web application infrastructure. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with the keys to the database kingdom, enabling them to extract sensitive user information, modify content, or even establish persistent access through database-level backdoors. The impact is particularly severe because the vulnerability affects the fundamental security architecture of the CMS, making it a prime target for exploitation in automated scanning campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3597 require immediate implementation of proper file access controls and secure configuration practices. Organizations should relocate sensitive configuration files outside of the web root directory structure and implement proper access controls using web server configuration directives such as apache's allow/deny rules or equivalent functionality in other web servers. The recommended approach includes moving configuration files to dedicated system directories with restricted permissions and ensuring that these files are not directly accessible through web requests. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and access control checks at the application level can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 which covers data from information repositories, and represents a clear failure in the principle of least privilege as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including NIST SP 800-53. The remediation process should include comprehensive security auditing of all web applications to identify similar misconfigurations that could expose sensitive data through improper file access controls.