CVE-2026-6160: Simple ChatBox Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2026-6160 Overview

A sensitive information disclosure vulnerability has been identified in code-projects Simple ChatBox version 1.0. This vulnerability affects the SimpleChatbox_PHP function within the chatbox.sql file of the Endpoint component. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can remotely access exposed file and directory information, potentially leading to further compromise of the affected system.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive file and directory information, which could facilitate further attacks against the application and underlying infrastructure.

Affected Products

• code-projects Simple ChatBox 1.0

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-04-13 - CVE-2026-6160 published to NVD
• 2026-04-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-6160

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as Information Exposure (CWE-200), where the application inappropriately reveals sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The exposed database backup file (chatbox.sql) contains structural and potentially sensitive data that should not be publicly accessible.

The vulnerability exists within the Endpoint component of the Simple ChatBox application. The chatbox.sql file, which appears to be a database backup or schema file, is accessible to remote attackers without proper authentication or authorization controls. This exposure allows attackers to enumerate file paths, directory structures, and potentially extract database schema information that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper access control and insecure default configuration of the web application. The database backup file (chatbox.sql) is stored in a web-accessible location without appropriate access restrictions. This configuration oversight allows any remote attacker to request and retrieve the file contents, exposing sensitive application internals.

Attack Vector

The attack can be initiated remotely over the network without requiring authentication. An attacker simply needs to identify the location of the exposed chatbox.sql file within the application's directory structure and request it via HTTP. The exploit for this vulnerability has been publicly disclosed, lowering the barrier for potential attackers.

The vulnerability allows attackers to:

• Discover internal file and directory structures
• Access database schema and potentially stored data
• Gather reconnaissance information for more sophisticated attacks
• Identify additional vulnerable components within the application

For detailed technical information about the exploitation methodology, refer to the GitHub CVE Documentation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-6160

Indicators of Compromise

• HTTP requests targeting chatbox.sql or similar database backup files in web-accessible directories
• Unusual access patterns to the application's Endpoint component
• Web server access logs showing requests for .sql files from external IP addresses
• Reconnaissance activity targeting the application's directory structure

Detection Strategies

• Configure web application firewalls (WAF) to block requests for .sql file extensions
• Implement log monitoring for suspicious file access attempts targeting database backup files
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity XDR to detect and alert on anomalous file access patterns
• Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) to identify information gathering activities

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed access logging on web servers hosting Simple ChatBox installations
• Monitor for requests to sensitive file extensions (.sql, .bak, .dump)
• Configure alerts for multiple failed or successful requests to database-related files
• Review web server configurations regularly to ensure database files are not publicly accessible

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-6160

Immediate Actions Required

• Remove or relocate the chatbox.sql file from web-accessible directories immediately
• Implement proper access controls to restrict access to sensitive files
• Review web server configuration to ensure database backups are not publicly accessible
• Audit the application for other potentially exposed sensitive files

Patch Information

No official vendor patch is currently available for this vulnerability. Organizations using code-projects Simple ChatBox 1.0 should implement the workarounds below and monitor Code Projects Resource Hub for updates. Additional vulnerability details are available through VulDB #357040.

Workarounds

• Move database backup files to directories outside the web root
• Configure web server rules to deny access to .sql and other sensitive file extensions
• Implement authentication requirements for accessing application endpoints
• Consider deploying a web application firewall to filter malicious requests

# Apache configuration to block access to SQL files
<FilesMatch "\.sql$">
    Require all denied
</FilesMatch>

# Nginx configuration to block SQL file access
location ~* \.sql$ {
    deny all;
    return 403;
}