CVE-2014-3928 in Cougar-LG
Summary
by MITRE
Cougar-LG stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3928 represents a critical security flaw in the Cougar-LG web application framework that stems from improper handling of sensitive data storage and access control mechanisms. This issue specifically affects applications built using the Cougar-LG platform where authentication credentials and other sensitive information are stored in directories accessible through the web root without adequate protection measures. The fundamental problem lies in the application's failure to implement proper authorization controls, creating an avenue for remote attackers to directly access confidential data through predictable file paths and web server configurations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the web server's default configuration and the application's insecure data storage practices. When sensitive information such as database credentials, API keys, or user authentication tokens is stored in directories that are directly accessible via HTTP requests, attackers can simply navigate to the appropriate URL paths to retrieve this information. This flaw aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically relates to CWE-532, which addresses information exposure through web server artifacts. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient access control where the application fails to enforce proper authentication and authorization checks before granting access to sensitive resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a significant risk for organizations that rely on Cougar-LG applications for their web infrastructure. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, database connections, and system credentials that could lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed through standard web browsing tools, making it particularly dangerous in environments where applications are publicly accessible. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566 for credential access and T1071 for application layer protocols, where adversaries exploit insecure configurations to obtain sensitive information.
Organizations utilizing Cougar-LG applications must implement immediate remediation measures to address this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves reconfiguring the web server to ensure that sensitive directories are not accessible through the web root and implementing proper access control mechanisms. This includes moving sensitive files outside of the web accessible directory structure and implementing robust authentication checks for all application resources. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration issues across the entire application infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of following secure coding practices and proper resource management in web application development, particularly when dealing with authentication and authorization components that are fundamental to system security.