CVE-2001-1423 in Advanced Poll
Summary
by MITRE
Advanced Poll before 1.61, when using a flat file database, allows remote attackers to gain privileges by setting the logged_in parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1423 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in Advanced Poll versions prior to 1.61 that utilize flat file database storage mechanisms. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and authentication handling within the application's session management system, creating a pathway for remote attackers to manipulate administrative privileges through crafted HTTP parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the logged_in parameter which serves as a critical authentication flag within the application's access control framework.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the logged_in parameter value in HTTP requests to the Advanced Poll application. This parameter typically controls whether a user session has been authenticated and authorized to access administrative functions. In vulnerable versions, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this parameter, allowing attackers to set logged_in to a value that bypasses normal authentication checks. The flaw exists because the application relies on client-side parameter manipulation rather than server-side session validation, creating a dangerous trust model where client-provided data directly influences access control decisions.
This vulnerability has significant operational impact as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access to the Advanced Poll application without requiring valid credentials or authentication. The privilege escalation occurs silently without proper logging or detection mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous for systems where the application manages sensitive polling data or user information. Attackers can leverage this flaw to modify poll configurations, manipulate results, delete polls, or access restricted administrative functions that should only be available to authorized administrators.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and demonstrates a classic case of insecure direct object reference where client-controlled parameters directly influence access control decisions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be categorized under T1068, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges. The flaw also relates to T1566, representing the initial compromise phase where attackers establish persistent access through exploitation of known vulnerabilities in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Advanced Poll version 1.61 or later, which contains proper input validation and authentication mechanisms. Administrators should implement parameter validation at the application level, ensuring that the logged_in parameter cannot be manipulated by unauthorized users. Additionally, implementing proper session management with server-side session tokens, rather than client-side flags, would prevent this type of manipulation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should verify that authentication mechanisms are properly implemented and that no similar parameter manipulation vulnerabilities exist in other parts of the application.