CVE-2012-5892 in Havalite
Summary
by MITRE
Havalite CMS 1.1.0 and earlier stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download the configuration database via a direct request for data/havalite.db3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5892 affects Havalite CMS versions 1.1.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the content management system's file access control mechanisms. This issue stems from the improper placement of sensitive configuration data within the web root directory structure, creating an exploitable condition that directly undermines the system's security posture. The vulnerability specifically targets the database file havalite.db3 which contains critical configuration information and potentially user credentials, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise the affected system.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient access control measures that fail to properly restrict access to sensitive files stored within the web server's document root. When the application stores the database file havalite.db3 in a location accessible via standard web requests, it creates an attack vector where remote adversaries can directly access and download this database file without proper authentication or authorization. This misconfiguration represents a classic example of improper file permissions and directory structure design that violates fundamental security principles. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and obtain sensitive information that should remain protected within the application's secure storage mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with direct access to the application's configuration database containing potentially sensitive information. The ability to download havalite.db3 remotely means that attackers can obtain database credentials, application settings, user account information, and other critical system data without requiring any legitimate access credentials. This exposure creates opportunities for further exploitation including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability effectively transforms the application's configuration management system into an attack surface that can be exploited by any remote attacker with basic knowledge of the target system's directory structure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-275 permissions and access control weaknesses, specifically addressing insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to sensitive data. The flaw also corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries attempt to access databases containing sensitive information. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in implementing proper security controls around sensitive file storage and access, creating an environment where attackers can leverage simple direct requests to gain access to critical system information. Organizations using affected versions of Havalite CMS face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access, making immediate remediation essential.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves moving the sensitive database file outside the web root directory structure and implementing proper access controls to prevent direct web access to configuration files. Administrators should ensure that all sensitive data files are stored in directories that are not accessible via standard web requests and that proper authentication mechanisms are in place to control access to system configuration data. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions, directory restrictions, and regular security audits can help prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and proper file management procedures to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive system information through improper directory structures and access control implementations.