CVE-2011-1665 in PHPBoost
Summary
by MITRE
PHPBoost 3.0 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain backup SQL files via a direct request for predictable filenames in cache/backup/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1665 affects PHPBoost version 3.0 and represents a critical misconfiguration issue that exposes sensitive backup files to unauthorized access. This flaw resides in the application's handling of backup SQL files within the cache/backup/ directory structure, where the software fails to implement proper access controls for files stored under the web root. The vulnerability stems from predictable filename generation patterns that allow attackers to directly request specific backup files without authentication or authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web server serving backup SQL files directly from the cache/backup/ directory without proper access control mechanisms. When PHPBoost generates backup files, it creates predictable filenames that follow a specific pattern, making it trivial for remote attackers to construct direct HTTP requests to access these files. This configuration essentially provides an open door for any internet-connected attacker to download database backup files containing sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, and application configuration details. The flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security by design in the application's file management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as backup SQL files typically contain comprehensive database snapshots that include user accounts, session data, and potentially sensitive business information. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain access to complete database dumps that may contain hashed passwords, user personal information, and application configuration parameters. This exposure creates opportunities for credential stuffing attacks, identity theft, and further exploitation of the compromised system. The vulnerability also enables attackers to understand the application's database structure and potentially identify additional attack vectors through the information contained in the backup files.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Disclosure) and CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource) categories, representing a fundamental failure in access control implementation. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 (Backup Data) in the adversary tactics and techniques framework, as it provides unauthorized access to backup data that can be leveraged for persistent access and system compromise. Organizations using PHPBoost 3.0 should immediately implement access controls for the cache/backup/ directory, ensure that backup files are stored outside the web root, and implement proper authentication mechanisms for any backup file access. The recommended mitigation includes moving backup files to a non-web-accessible directory, implementing proper file permissions, and configuring web server access controls to prevent direct file access to sensitive directories. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that all sensitive files are properly secured and that no predictable filename patterns exist for critical system components.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure configuration management and proper file access controls in web applications. The flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues can lead to catastrophic security breaches, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and regular vulnerability assessments. Organizations should implement automated scanning tools to identify similar misconfigurations in their web applications and establish secure coding practices that prevent sensitive data from being exposed through predictable file access patterns. The vulnerability also underscores the critical importance of keeping web applications updated with the latest security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include multiple layers of access control and monitoring mechanisms.