CVE-2015-1608 in Opportunity Form
Summary
by MITRE
Topline Opportunity Form (aka XLS Opp form) before 2015-02-15 does not properly restrict access to database-connection strings, which allows attackers to read the cleartext version of sensitive credential and e-mail address information via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1608 affects the Topline Opportunity Form system, specifically versions prior to 2015-02-15, where inadequate access controls exist for database connection strings. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that exposes sensitive credential information in cleartext format, making it highly exploitable by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access restriction mechanisms that fail to properly authenticate and authorize users attempting to access database connection parameters. The system's failure to implement proper access controls means that unauthorized parties can potentially retrieve database credentials, email addresses, and other sensitive information through unspecified attack vectors. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and proper credential management practices. The exposure of cleartext credentials creates an immediate and severe risk for organizations relying on this system, as attackers can leverage these exposed credentials to gain unauthorized access to underlying databases and potentially escalate their privileges within the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the system's inability to properly enforce access controls for sensitive configuration data. Database connection strings typically contain username and password information in cleartext format, which should never be exposed to unauthorized users or processes. The vulnerability allows attackers to access these strings through unspecified vectors that likely involve direct access to configuration files, web application interfaces, or administrative portals where such information may be stored or displayed. This weakness aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and specifically relates to inadequate protection of sensitive information. The system's architecture fails to implement proper authentication mechanisms before exposing sensitive data elements, creating a direct pathway for credential theft. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack surfaces may be vulnerable, including web application interfaces, direct file access, or administrative functions that do not properly validate user permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential data breaches, unauthorized database access, and system compromise. Organizations utilizing affected versions of the Topline Opportunity Form may experience unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, financial records, or proprietary business information stored in the connected databases. The cleartext exposure of credentials enables attackers to establish persistent connections to database systems, potentially allowing for data exfiltration, modification of sensitive records, or complete system takeover. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers at various skill levels, making it particularly dangerous as it reduces the complexity required for successful exploitation. The exposure of email addresses alongside credentials may also enable social engineering attacks or targeted phishing campaigns, expanding the attack surface beyond direct system compromise. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple access vectors means that organizations may face ongoing risk even after initial exploitation, as attackers can maintain access through various entry points.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1608 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper access controls and credential protection mechanisms. Organizations must upgrade to versions released after 2015-02-15 that address the access control deficiencies in the system. The implementation of proper authentication and authorization checks before exposing database connection strings is essential, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers credential access through various attack vectors. Database credentials should be encrypted at rest and in transit, with proper key management practices implemented to prevent cleartext exposure. System administrators should implement least privilege access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive configuration data. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar access control vulnerabilities in other systems. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive information. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding can prevent attackers from exploiting unspecified vectors that may be present in the system's interfaces. The remediation process should include comprehensive credential rotation and access revocation for any potentially compromised accounts, while also establishing monitoring procedures to detect future attempts to access sensitive configuration data through similar vulnerabilities.