Configuration File Disclosure Scanner

Configuration files are essential components used in numerous software applications to store settings, parameters, and user preferences. They are commonly used by developers, system administrators, and IT teams to ensure software applications operate correctly according to the specified parameters. These files are typically utilized in both backend servers and client-side applications, facilitating seamless software configuration. Configuration files can be found in systems like content management systems, e-commerce platforms, and various web applications that require custom settings. Security of these files is crucial as they might contain sensitive information like database credentials and API keys. Proper management and security protocols are required to ensure their integrity and confidentiality.

The vulnerability detected by this scanner is related to configuration files being publicly accessible, which can lead to the exposure of sensitive data. Config Exposure vulnerabilities occur when sensitive information within configuration files, such as API keys, server details, and credentials, are accessible to unauthorized users. This type of vulnerability can arise due to incorrect file permissions, lack of encryption, or misconfigured web servers that allow these files to be accessed through a web URL. Identifying such exposures is critical to maintaining the security posture of an application and preventing unauthorized access.

Technical details for this vulnerability involve endpoints that provide access to configuration files such as 'config.json', 'default.json', and variations thereof. The scanner checks for indicators like the presence of "api_keys" or "aws" within the configuration files. These keywords suggest that the configuration file might contain sensitive information that should not be available to the public. If the endpoint responds with a status code of 200 and text other than "text/html", it indicates an exposure risk. Such exposures can highlight the need for better access controls and file permission settings.

If this vulnerability is exploited, malicious actors could gain access to sensitive information within the configuration files, such as service credentials, private API keys, and server configuration details. This could lead to unauthorized access to servers, data breaches, and potential manipulation or misuse of services. Attackers could leverage this information to further exploit the application or its infrastructure, leading to significant security incidents.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/search?q=filename%3Aconfig.json