CVE-2003-0402 in Content Suite
Summary
by MITRE
The default login template (/vgn/login) in Vignette StoryServer 5 and Vignette V/5 generates different responses whether a user exists or not, which allows remote attackers to identify valid usernames via brute force attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0402 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Vignette StoryServer 5 and Vignette V/5 platforms. This issue stems from the default login template located at /vgn/login which exhibits inconsistent response behavior when processing authentication attempts. The system's design flaw creates a distinguishable difference in error messages or response times between attempts made with valid versus invalid usernames, thereby exposing sensitive information about user account existence to unauthorized parties.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability operates through the application's response differentiation strategy during authentication processes. When an attacker submits a login request with a username, the system generates varying responses depending on whether the account exists in the database. Valid usernames typically trigger different error messages or response patterns compared to invalid usernames, creating a predictable pattern that can be exploited through automated brute force methodologies. This behavior directly violates security principles of consistent error handling and authentication response normalization that are fundamental to preventing credential guessing attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple username enumeration, as it provides attackers with a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. Once valid usernames are identified through brute force techniques, attackers can focus their efforts on password cracking or credential stuffing attacks against the discovered accounts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-204, which specifically addresses the disclosure of information through inconsistent error messages, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure authentication design. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal resources to execute and can be automated effectively.
Security practitioners should consider implementing several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves modifying the application's authentication response behavior to provide consistent error messages regardless of whether the username exists in the system. This approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers credential stuffing attacks, by eliminating the information leakage that enables such attacks. Organizations should also implement account lockout mechanisms, rate limiting, and multi-factor authentication to further strengthen their defenses. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and conducting thorough security testing of authentication mechanisms to prevent information disclosure that could enable unauthorized access to systems.