CVE-2017-15877 in GPWeb
Summary
by MITRE
Insecure Permissions vulnerability in db.php file in GPWeb 8.4.61 allows remote attackers to view the password and user database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
The CVE-2017-15877 vulnerability represents a critical insecure permissions flaw discovered in the GPWeb 8.4.61 software suite, specifically within the db.php configuration file. This vulnerability stems from improper file access controls that allow unauthorized remote attackers to gain visibility into sensitive database credentials and user information. The flaw exists at the filesystem level where the db.php file lacks appropriate access restrictions, creating an avenue for malicious actors to directly access database connection parameters and user authentication details without proper authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves weak file permission settings that permit read access to the db.php file from external network locations. When a remote attacker successfully identifies the path to this configuration file, they can directly retrieve the database password and user credentials stored within the file. This represents a classic case of inadequate access control measures, which falls under the CWE-276 category of Insecure Permissions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where the software fails to enforce proper authorization controls, allowing unauthenticated access to sensitive configuration data that should remain protected within the system's secure boundaries.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk landscape for organizations using GPWeb 8.4.61 systems. Attackers who exploit this flaw can immediately access the entire user database and obtain administrative credentials, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables threat actors to perform credential stuffing attacks against other systems where users may have reused passwords, or to escalate privileges within the targeted environment. This type of vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage the stolen credentials to maintain persistent access and move laterally within networks.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15877 require immediate implementation of proper file permission controls and access restriction measures. Organizations must ensure that configuration files containing sensitive data are stored outside the web root directory and configured with restrictive permissions that prevent unauthorized access. System administrators should implement mandatory access controls and regularly audit file permissions to prevent similar issues. The remediation process involves applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to sensitive files, and conducting regular security assessments to identify and address similar permission-related vulnerabilities. Additionally, organizations should establish secure coding practices that enforce proper access control mechanisms and implement automated monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation and maintaining compliance with security standards such as those outlined in ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.