Database Credentials Exposure Scanner

Database Credentials are typically used in various software applications and systems that require access to a database. These credentials include a username and password that enable an application to connect to a database, retrieve and store data, and perform various operations. They are essential for ensuring that applications can function correctly and access necessary data resources. Typically, these credentials are managed by developers, system administrators, and database administrators who configure database connections. The exposure of database credentials is a significant risk as it can lead to unauthorized database access, data breaches, and other security incidents. Protecting these credentials from unauthorized access and maintaining their confidentiality is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of any system that relies on database interactions.

File Disclosure is a vulnerability that occurs when sensitive information stored in a file becomes accessible to unauthorized users. In this context, the vulnerability specifically targets files containing database credentials, which are particularly sensitive. If these credentials are exposed, attackers may gain unauthorized access to the underlying database. File disclosure vulnerabilities can arise due to improper access controls, misconfigured permissions, or unintended file sharing. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and protect files that might inadvertently expose sensitive data, such as database credentials, within a software or web application.

The vulnerability primarily occurs due to exposed internal files containing database credentials. The template looks for files that include specific keywords that signify the presence of database credentials, such as 'DATABASE_USER', 'DB_USER', 'USERNAME', 'USER' for usernames and 'DATABASE_PASS', 'DB_PASS', 'PASSWORD', 'PASS' for passwords. It examines the response status codes of 200, 401, or 403 to determine whether the file is accessible. In addition, it verifies that the response does not contain words like 'Access denied' or 'Unauthorized' which indicate a negative match. This approach ensures that only accessible files are flagged that potentially contain sensitive database information.

If exploited, this vulnerability can have severe consequences. Unauthorized individuals could gain access to confidential and sensitive database contents, leading to data leaks. They might manipulate or destroy the stored data, causing data integrity issues. Compromised database credentials could also provide a foothold for further exploitation within the network, allowing attackers to escalate their privileges or move laterally within an organization’s infrastructure. The availability of such sensitive information could facilitate further attacks, such as SQL injection, by providing attackers with the necessary credentials and insights into database architecture.