CVE-2015-3881 in qdPM
Summary
by MITRE
Information disclosure issue in qdPM 8.3 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to (1) core/config/databases.yml, (2) core/log/qdPM_prod.log, or (3) core/apps/qdPM/config/settings.yml.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The CVE-2015-3881 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in qdPM version 8.3 that exposes sensitive configuration and log files to remote attackers through direct web requests. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control and information exposure, specifically targeting configuration files that contain database credentials, application settings, and system logs. The flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to retrieve sensitive data by directly accessing specific file paths within the application's directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate file access controls and improper configuration of the web server or application framework. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply requesting specific URLs that correspond to sensitive files such as core/config/databases.yml which typically contains database connection strings with usernames and passwords, core/log/qdPM_prod.log which may contain system errors, user activities, or other operational data, and core/apps/qdPM/config/settings.yml that holds application configuration parameters including potentially sensitive settings. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-200 Information Exposure and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries attempt to access sensitive data through direct system access or file system traversal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with comprehensive information that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Database credentials obtained from databases.yml can enable attackers to directly access the database and potentially extract, modify, or delete sensitive information. System logs may reveal internal application architecture, user behavior patterns, and potential security gaps that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. Application settings could expose configuration weaknesses or reveal the application's underlying technology stack. This information disclosure can facilitate privilege escalation, lateral movement, and persistence within the compromised environment, making it a critical vulnerability that requires immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper access controls and file system permissions to prevent direct access to sensitive configuration and log files. Organizations should ensure that web servers are configured to deny access to sensitive directories and files through proper .htaccess rules or server configuration settings. Application-level authentication should be enforced for any configuration files or logs that must remain accessible for legitimate administrative purposes. Regular security auditing of file permissions and access controls should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files, while proper logging and monitoring can help identify exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining proper separation of sensitive data from publicly accessible resources, aligning with security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for information security controls.