CVE-2002-1659 in Portalapp
Summary
by MITRE
user_profile.asp in PortalApp 2.2 allows local users to gain privileges by modifying the user_id variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1659 affects PortalApp 2.2 and specifically targets the user_profile.asp component within the application. This issue represents a classic privilege escalation flaw that exploits improper input validation and session management mechanisms. The vulnerability occurs when local users manipulate the user_id variable parameter, allowing them to potentially access accounts other than their own. Such a flaw fundamentally undermines the application's authentication and authorization controls, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this software.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the user_profile.asp script. When the application processes the user_id variable, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before using it to determine which user profile to display or modify. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where malicious users can manipulate the parameter to bypass normal access controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software applications. The flaw essentially allows for unauthorized privilege escalation by enabling attackers to specify arbitrary user identifiers, potentially gaining access to administrative accounts or other user profiles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete compromise of user data and system integrity. Local users who exploit this vulnerability can potentially view, modify, or delete sensitive information belonging to other users within the PortalApp system. This includes personal data, credentials, and potentially system-level information that could facilitate further attacks. The vulnerability also poses risks to data confidentiality and integrity, as unauthorized modifications to user profiles could result in data corruption or information disclosure. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1484 which covers unintended use of privileges, demonstrating how this flaw enables adversaries to operate under different user contexts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1659 should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control mechanisms within the PortalApp application. Organizations should immediately patch the affected PortalApp 2.2 software to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, developers should implement robust parameter validation that ensures user_id variables are properly sanitized and validated before being processed. The application should enforce strict access controls that verify the authenticated user's permissions before allowing profile modifications. Implementing proper session management and ensuring that user identifiers are properly scoped to authenticated contexts can prevent this type of manipulation. Network segmentation and monitoring for unusual access patterns can also serve as additional defensive measures. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and access control implementation as outlined in security standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, emphasizing that proper application security controls must be implemented at every layer of the software stack.