CVE-2010-0765 in fipsForum
Summary
by MITRE
fipsForum 2.6 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database via a direct request for _database/forumFips.mdb.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0765 affects fipsForum version 2.6, a web-based discussion forum application that suffers from a critical misconfiguration in its file access controls. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive data storage and access permissions, creating a path for remote attackers to directly access and download the underlying database file. The vulnerability exists because the database file forumFips.mdb is stored within the web root directory structure, making it accessible through standard http requests without proper authentication or authorization checks. This misconfiguration represents a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized users through predictable file paths.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward direct request mechanism where attackers can append the specific database filename _database/forumFips.mdb to the web application's URL, bypassing any intended access controls. This pattern aligns with CWE-22, known as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", and CWE-73, "External Control of File Name or Path", both of which describe how applications fail to properly validate or sanitize file paths. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insecure direct object reference where the application exposes internal file references through its user interface without adequate access control mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness to obtain sensitive data including user credentials, forum posts, and other confidential information stored within the database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it enables comprehensive database enumeration and potential further exploitation. Remote attackers can download the entire database and subsequently analyze its contents to identify user accounts, session information, and other sensitive data that could be used for privilege escalation or additional attacks. This vulnerability also provides attackers with information that could be used to craft more sophisticated attacks against the application or its users. The exposure of database files in the web root creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the application is properly configured to restrict access to sensitive files, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access and continue harvesting data over extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary fix involves moving sensitive database files outside of the web root directory structure and implementing proper access controls that require authentication and authorization before allowing access to database files. Security controls should include implementing proper file access permissions, using secure configuration management practices, and ensuring that all application files are properly protected from direct web access. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls and file access monitoring systems to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and configuration management standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, which emphasize the need for proper input validation and access control mechanisms to prevent information disclosure vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar misconfigurations that could expose sensitive data through similar attack vectors.