CVE-2013-1650 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Open-Xchange Server before 6.20.7 rev14, 6.22.0 before rev13, and 6.22.1 before rev14 uses weak permissions (group "other" readable) under opt/open-xchange/etc/, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information via standard filesystem operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1650 affects Open-Xchange Server versions prior to specific revision numbers, creating a critical security flaw through improper file system permissions. This issue resides within the configuration of the opt/open-xchange/etc/ directory structure where sensitive configuration files are accessible to the "other" group, meaning any user on the system can read these files through standard file system operations. The weakness stems from the server's default installation practices that fail to properly secure sensitive configuration data, potentially exposing authentication credentials, database connection strings, and other critical system parameters to unauthorized local access. This configuration error represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege, where system components are unnecessarily exposed to users who should not have access to such information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through basic file system operations such as read commands, file listing, and direct file access. Attackers with local system access can simply navigate to the affected directory structure and extract sensitive information without requiring specialized tools or complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability specifically targets the configuration files that contain system credentials and operational parameters necessary for the Open-Xchange server to function properly. These files often include database connection details, encryption keys, and administrative credentials that could provide attackers with elevated privileges or access to other system components. The weakness is classified as a privilege escalation vector through information disclosure, where local users can leverage the exposed configuration files to gain additional system access or compromise the integrity of the entire Open-Xchange deployment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed configuration data could enable attackers to perform more sophisticated attacks against the system. Once an attacker obtains the database connection strings and credentials, they could potentially access the underlying database systems, modify user accounts, or escalate privileges within the Open-Xchange environment. The vulnerability undermines the security posture of organizations relying on Open-Xchange Server, as it provides an easy entry point for attackers who already have local access to the system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or shared hosting scenarios where multiple users may have access to the same physical system. The exposure of sensitive configuration parameters could lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, or unauthorized access to user information stored within the Open-Xchange platform, making this issue a significant concern for enterprise security.
Organizations should immediately update their Open-Xchange Server installations to versions 6.20.7 rev14, 6.22.0 rev13, or 6.22.1 rev14 where this vulnerability has been patched. System administrators must also conduct immediate audits of the opt/open-xchange/etc/ directory structure to verify proper file permissions and remove any unnecessary access for the "other" group. The recommended remediation includes implementing strict file system permissions where configuration files are accessible only to the appropriate system users and groups, typically through chmod operations setting permissions to 600 or 640. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security reviews of system configurations and establish automated monitoring for unauthorized changes to sensitive directories. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses improper permissions that allow unauthorized access to sensitive system components. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1003.001: OS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory, as exposed credentials could facilitate credential theft and privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local system access and reduce the potential impact of such local privilege escalation vulnerabilities.