CVE-2010-0665 in JAG
Summary
by MITRE
JAG (Just Another Guestbook) 1.14 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request for jag/database.sql.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0665 affects JAG (Just Another Guestbook) version 1.14 and represents a critical security flaw in the application's file access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the improper placement of sensitive database configuration files within the web accessible directory structure, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure. The vulnerability specifically targets the jag/database.sql file which contains database connection credentials and potentially other sensitive configuration data that should never be publicly accessible.
This flaw constitutes a classic case of insufficient access control, where the application fails to implement proper authorization checks before serving sensitive files. The vulnerability exists because the database.sql file is stored in a location that is directly accessible through the web server's document root, allowing any remote attacker to obtain the file simply by making a direct HTTP request to the specific path. The weakness demonstrates poor security design principles and violates fundamental web application security practices that require sensitive files to be stored outside the web root or properly protected through access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to database credentials and potentially other sensitive configuration information. Once obtained, this information could be used to establish direct database connections, potentially leading to data exfiltration, database manipulation, or further exploitation of the underlying database system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and can result in complete compromise of the application's data layer. According to CWE-270, this represents an insufficient access control weakness that allows unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1213.002 subtechnique for Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries attempt to obtain database credentials and other sensitive information. The vulnerability also relates to T1566.001 for Valid Accounts and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts for Lateral Movement, as successful exploitation could provide attackers with database access credentials that could be used to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is minimal and requires only a single direct request to the vulnerable path, making it highly attractive to automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through proper file placement and access control implementation. The database.sql file must be moved outside the web root directory structure and appropriate access controls must be implemented to prevent direct web access to sensitive configuration files. Additionally, the application should implement proper authentication and authorization checks before serving any sensitive information. Security best practices recommend implementing the principle of least privilege and ensuring that all sensitive files are protected through appropriate access controls. Organizations should also implement regular security scanning to identify similar misconfigurations and ensure that all web applications properly separate sensitive data from publicly accessible content. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper security architecture design that prevents sensitive information from being exposed through improper file access controls.