CVE-2002-0584 in Xpede
Summary
by MITRE
WorkforceROI Xpede 4.1 allows remote attackers to read user timesheets by modifying the TSN ID parameter to the ts_app_process.asp script, which is easily guessable because it is incremented by 1 for each new timesheet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0584 affects WorkforceROI Xpede version 4.1, a workforce management application that handles employee timesheet data. This security flaw represents a critical access control weakness that allows remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access sensitive employee time reporting information. The vulnerability stems from the predictable nature of the TSN ID parameter used within the ts_app_process.asp script, which serves as the primary identifier for timesheet records within the system's web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the predictable incrementation of the TSN ID parameter, which functions as a sequential counter that increases by one for each newly created timesheet within the application. This predictable pattern creates a significant security risk because it allows attackers to systematically enumerate valid timesheet identifiers through simple guesswork rather than requiring complex exploitation techniques. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, specifically the lack of proper authorization checks for sensitive data access. The sequential nature of the identifier makes it trivial for an attacker to construct valid requests to access timesheet data belonging to other users, effectively creating an information disclosure vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as timesheet information typically contains sensitive employee data including work hours, project assignments, and billing information. This exposure could enable unauthorized access to payroll-related data, potentially facilitating fraudulent time reporting, identity theft, or other malicious activities. The remote nature of the attack means that an adversary does not require physical access to the network or system to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network access is not strictly controlled. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which involves valid accounts with limited privileges, as the attacker can leverage the predictable identifier pattern to access data that would normally require proper authentication.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves implementing proper access control mechanisms that validate user authorization before granting access to timesheet data, regardless of the identifier used in the request. Organizations should implement randomized or cryptographically secure identifiers for timesheet records rather than sequential numbering to prevent enumeration attacks. Additionally, proper input validation and parameter sanitization should be enforced within the ts_app_process.asp script to ensure that only authorized users can access timesheet information. The implementation of session management controls and role-based access controls would further strengthen the system's security posture, ensuring that users can only access data relevant to their authorized roles and responsibilities.