CVE-2003-0399 in Content Suite
Summary
by MITRE
Vignette StoryServer 4 and 5, Vignette V/5, and possibly other versions allows remote attackers to perform unauthorized SELECT queries by setting the vgn_creds cookie to an arbitrary value and directly accessing the save template.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0399 represents a critical access control flaw in Vignette StoryServer versions 4 and 5, as well as Vignette V/5, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and execute unauthorized database queries. This vulnerability specifically targets the credential handling system within the application's template management functionality, where the vgn_creds cookie parameter serves as a critical security control that should validate user authentication status before permitting database operations. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control enforcement, enabling malicious actors to manipulate the cookie value to arbitrary inputs and subsequently access the save template functionality without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the insecure handling of session credentials within the web application's authentication framework. When attackers set the vgn_creds cookie to an arbitrary value, they exploit a design flaw where the system fails to properly validate the authenticity of the credential token before proceeding with database operations. This allows unauthorized users to directly access template saving mechanisms that should only be available to authenticated administrators or authorized users with appropriate privileges. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the session management and authorization components of the Vignette content management system, and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring complex attack chains or privileged access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized SELECT queries against the underlying database, potentially exposing sensitive information stored within the application's data repository. This unauthorized database access capability allows threat actors to extract confidential data, user credentials, content management information, and other sensitive organizational data that should remain protected. The vulnerability affects organizations using Vignette StoryServer and V/5 platforms, potentially compromising content management systems that handle proprietary information, user data, and business-critical content. The remote exploitation nature means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the network infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with publicly accessible web applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including the enforcement of proper input validation for cookie parameters, implementation of robust session management controls, and strengthening of access control mechanisms within the application. The fix should involve ensuring that all requests to template saving functionality properly validate authentication tokens before executing database operations, implementing proper privilege checks, and enforcing secure cookie handling practices. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers could use this vulnerability to escalate privileges and access additional system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious cookie manipulation patterns, and conducting thorough security assessments of their content management systems to identify similar authorization flaws that may exist in other applications or components of their infrastructure.