CVE-2013-2563 in Mambo CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Mambo CMS 4.6.5 uses world-readable permissions on configuration.php, which allows local users to obtain the admin password hash by reading the file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2563 affects Mambo CMS version 4.6.5 and represents a critical access control flaw that stems from improper file permission configuration. This issue manifests when the system configuration file named configuration.php is created with world-readable permissions, allowing any local user on the system to access sensitive administrative credentials. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper file access control mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized information disclosure.
This vulnerability operates at the file system level and constitutes a classic case of insecure file permissions that enables information disclosure through unauthorized access. The configuration.php file typically contains database connection details, administrative credentials, and other sensitive configuration parameters that are essential for system operation and security. When this file is accessible to all users on the system, it creates an attack surface that can be exploited by local adversaries to obtain administrative access to the content management system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-732 as improper permission for a resource, specifically involving inadequate file permissions that allow unauthorized access to sensitive data. From an operational perspective, this flaw can be exploited by any local user with basic system access, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where privilege escalation is not required.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2563 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques. An attacker who gains access to the administrative password hash can potentially use this information to perform further attacks such as password cracking, credential reuse attacks, or even account takeover if the password is weak or commonly used. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations using Mambo CMS 4.6.5, as it provides an easy path to administrative access without requiring network-based exploitation or complex attack vectors. This flaw directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through valid accounts and T1078.004 for legitimate credentials, as it provides unauthorized access to administrative credentials through local file system access rather than network-based attacks.
The recommended mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate remediation of file permissions and system hardening practices. Organizations should ensure that the configuration.php file is created with restrictive permissions such as 600 or 640, preventing world-readable access while maintaining necessary functionality for the web server to operate. System administrators should implement proper file permission auditing procedures and establish automated monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Additionally, the CMS should be updated to a supported version that addresses this permission flaw, as Mambo CMS 4.6.5 is an outdated version that likely contains multiple other security vulnerabilities. The implementation of proper access control lists and regular security audits can prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, ensuring that sensitive configuration files maintain appropriate security boundaries and that the principle of least privilege is maintained throughout the system. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to critical system files and configuration data.