CVE-2001-1403 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
Bugzilla before 2.14 includes the username and password in URLs, which could allow attackers to gain privileges by reading the information from the web server logs, or by "shoulder-surfing" and observing the web browser s location bar.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1403 represents a critical security flaw in Bugzilla versions prior to 2.14 that exposes authentication credentials through URL parameters. This issue stems from the application's improper handling of sensitive information during web transactions, specifically when credentials are embedded directly within the Uniform Resource Locator structure rather than being transmitted through secure HTTP headers or session mechanisms. The flaw creates a persistent exposure risk that extends beyond traditional network-based attacks to include physical surveillance methods.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and CWE-312, which focuses on the exposure of sensitive data through improper handling of credentials. The technical implementation flaw occurs when Bugzilla generates URLs containing username and password information, typically in the form of basic authentication parameters within the URL itself. This approach violates fundamental web security principles and creates multiple attack vectors that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to user accounts and system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to obtain privileged access through multiple reconnaissance methods. Web server logs typically contain URL information as part of their logging mechanisms, making the exposed credentials easily accessible to anyone with access to these logs. Additionally, the vulnerability is exploitable through "shoulder-surfing" attacks where malicious individuals observe users entering URLs containing credentials, particularly in public or shared work environments. This dual attack surface increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate or institutional settings.
The security implications extend beyond simple credential theft to include potential privilege escalation and unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. Attackers can leverage these exposed credentials to access Bugzilla's administrative functions, modify issue tracking data, manipulate user permissions, and potentially gain access to other systems that may share the same authentication credentials. This vulnerability effectively undermines the integrity of the authentication mechanism and creates persistent access points that remain viable until the application is properly patched.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Bugzilla version 2.14 or later, which addresses this specific vulnerability through proper credential handling mechanisms. Additional defensive measures include implementing URL rewriting rules to prevent credential exposure, configuring web server logging to exclude sensitive URL parameters, and establishing user awareness training to prevent shoulder-surfing attacks. Security monitoring should include detection of URLs containing authentication parameters, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure that exposed credentials do not grant excessive privileges. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper credential management and the potential consequences of exposing sensitive authentication information through web protocols.
The incident highlights fundamental security practices that should be implemented across all web applications, including the use of secure authentication methods such as HTTP headers, session tokens, or OAuth mechanisms rather than embedding credentials in URLs. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure that all authentication flows follow established security standards and best practices. The vulnerability also emphasizes the need for comprehensive security awareness training that covers not only technical aspects but also physical security considerations that can compromise system integrity.