CVE-2009-4765 in Hikaye Portal
Summary
by MITRE
CNR Hikaye Portal 2.0 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database via a direct request for db/hikaye.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4765 affects the CNR Hikaye Portal version 2.0, representing a critical misconfiguration that exposes sensitive database files to unauthorized access. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the web application's file structure, where database files are stored in directories accessible through standard web requests. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Microsoft Access database file hikaye.mdb located within the db directory, making it directly downloadable by any remote attacker who knows the file path.
This flaw constitutes a significant security weakness that aligns with CWE-275 permissions and access control issues, where insufficient access control measures allow unauthorized users to access protected resources. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms, creating a direct pathway to sensitive data that should remain protected within the application's backend systems. The exposure occurs because the web server configuration does not properly restrict access to database files stored in the web root directory, allowing any user with network access to perform a simple HTTP request for the database file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides attackers with immediate access to all data stored within the Hikaye Portal database. This includes potentially sensitive user information, portal content, and any other data that might be stored in the Microsoft Access database. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat since no authentication is required to access the database, and the attack can be executed repeatedly without detection. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or network privileges, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the web application is publicly accessible.
From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under initial access and credential access phases, specifically targeting the use of unsecured data storage and weak access control mechanisms. The vulnerability allows for lateral movement within the compromised environment and can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including proper access controls, directory restrictions, and database file protection to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The mitigation strategy involves several key actions to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Web server configurations must be updated to prevent direct access to database files through the web root, typically achieved by moving database files outside of the web accessible directories or implementing proper access controls through web server configuration files. Additionally, organizations should implement authentication mechanisms for database access and regularly audit their web application file structures to ensure sensitive files are not exposed to unauthorized users. The implementation of proper file permissions and access control lists should be enforced to prevent any accidental exposure of sensitive data through misconfigured web server settings.