CVE-2014-6047 in phpMyFAQ
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyFAQ before 2.8.13 allows remote authenticated users with certain permissions to read arbitrary attachments by leveraging incorrect "download an attachment" permission checks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6047 affects phpMyFAQ versions prior to 2.8.13 and represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security of file attachment handling within the application. This issue specifically targets the permission validation mechanisms that govern attachment download capabilities, creating a scenario where authenticated users with limited privileges can bypass intended access controls to retrieve files they should not be authorized to access. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user permissions during attachment download operations, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness through crafted requests that circumvent normal security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the permission checking logic within phpMyFAQ's attachment handling module. When users attempt to download attachments, the system should verify that the requesting user possesses adequate privileges to access the specific file in question. However, the flawed implementation fails to properly validate user permissions against the attachment's access controls, enabling authenticated users to manipulate the download process and retrieve files without proper authorization. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing inadequate access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to restricted resources. The flaw operates at the application layer where user permissions are not correctly enforced during file retrieval operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6047 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially exposing sensitive data that may include confidential database backups, configuration files, or other attachments that contain proprietary information. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can systematically enumerate and download attachments from various database entries, potentially accessing sensitive business data, user information, or system configuration details that should remain protected. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on phpMyFAQ for database management and administration, where attachment functionality is commonly used for storing supporting documentation, backup files, or other critical resources. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, meaning that any user with valid login credentials and appropriate permissions can exploit this weakness, potentially leading to data breaches or information disclosure incidents.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to phpMyFAQ version 2.8.13 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the permission validation flaws. Additionally, administrators should review and tighten user permission assignments to minimize the potential impact of compromised accounts, implementing the principle of least privilege where users only receive the minimum permissions necessary for their roles. Network-level monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual attachment download patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access logs should be regularly reviewed for suspicious activity. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access tactics, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to resources through compromised legitimate credentials. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable attachment download functionality, ensuring comprehensive protection against exploitation attempts.