CVE-2012-2905 in Artiphp
Summary
by MITRE
Artiphp CMS 5.5.0 Neo (r422) stores database backups with predictable names under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2905 affects Artiphp CMS version 5.5.0 Neo build r422 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from poor file management practices within the content management system. This issue arises from the application's failure to implement proper access controls for database backup files, which are generated with predictable naming conventions and placed directly within the web root directory structure. The predictable nature of these backup filenames creates an avenue for attackers to systematically discover and access sensitive database information without requiring authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where database backups are stored in publicly accessible directories without proper permission controls. When the CMS generates database backups, it creates files with easily guessable names such as backup.sql or similar patterns that follow predictable naming conventions. These files are then placed in directories that are directly served by the web server, making them accessible through standard HTTP requests. The absence of authentication checks or authorization mechanisms means that any remote attacker can simply construct a URL pointing to these predictable backup files and retrieve the entire database contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability gain access to complete database backups containing user credentials, personal information, application configuration details, and potentially sensitive business data. This access can enable further attacks including credential reuse attacks, privilege escalation within the application, and the potential for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The vulnerability also violates several security principles including the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement, as the application fails to implement appropriate security measures to protect sensitive backup files from unauthorized access.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access controls. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002, which focuses on data from information repositories, as attackers can systematically extract database contents through direct file access. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security hygiene in application development practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper file access controls, using non-predictable naming conventions for backup files, and storing sensitive data outside of web-accessible directories. Organizations utilizing this CMS version face significant risk of data exposure and should implement immediate remediation measures including restricting access to backup directories, implementing proper file permissions, and ensuring that backup files are stored in secure locations outside of the web root.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of access control measures including restricting web server access to backup directories, implementing proper file permissions that prevent unauthorized access, and moving backup files to locations outside of the web root. The application should be configured to generate backup files with non-predictable naming conventions and implement authentication checks before allowing access to any backup files. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in file access controls and ensure that all sensitive data is properly protected through appropriate security measures including encryption, access logging, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should also include updating to patched versions of the CMS where available and implementing proper security configuration management practices to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.