CVE-2020-37104 in ASTPP
Summary
by MITRE • 02/11/2026
ASTPP 4.0.1 contains an information disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to download database backup files by predicting backup filename patterns. Attackers can generate a list of 6-digit PIN combinations and fuzz the backup download URL to exfiltrate sensitive database information from the /database_backup/ directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2026
The CVE-2020-37104 vulnerability affects ASTPP version 4.0.1 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the security posture of the application. This vulnerability stems from predictable backup filename patterns that allow unauthenticated attackers to systematically access sensitive database backup files. The issue specifically targets the /database_backup/ directory where backup files are stored with deterministic naming conventions, making them susceptible to automated exploitation through brute force techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weak entropy in the backup filename generation process. Attackers can predict backup filenames by generating permutations of 6-digit PIN combinations and systematically testing these patterns against the backup download URL. This approach leverages the predictable nature of the backup naming scheme, which typically follows a pattern such as backup_YYYYMMDD_PIN.sql or similar deterministic formats. The vulnerability demonstrates poor cryptographic practices in filename generation, where the use of simple numeric sequences instead of cryptographically secure random values creates an attack surface that can be easily enumerated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with complete database dumps that may contain sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, financial records, and system configurations. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that no prior access or credentials are required to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for applications that handle confidential information. This type of information disclosure can lead to cascading security incidents including identity theft, financial fraud, and system compromise through the exploitation of exposed credentials.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-331 (Insufficient Entropy) categories, demonstrating how predictable patterns in system-generated filenames can create exploitable weaknesses. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1213.002 (Backup Data) by targeting backup files specifically designed for system recovery but inadvertently exposing sensitive data. Organizations using ASTPP 4.0.1 should immediately implement mitigations including randomizing backup filename generation, implementing access controls for backup directories, and adding authentication requirements for backup file access. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as using cryptographically secure random number generators for creating backup file names and implementing proper directory permissions to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system files.
The remediation approach should include updating to a patched version of ASTPP, implementing proper access controls for backup directories, and conducting thorough security reviews of all file naming and generation processes. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for suspicious backup file access patterns and establishing proper incident response procedures for potential data exposure events. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of entropy in security implementations and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks when combined with predictable system behaviors and insufficient access controls.