CVE-2003-1212 in MaxWebPortal
Summary
by MITRE
MaxWebPortal 1.30 allows remote attackers to perform unauthorized actions by modifying hidden form fields, such as the (1) news, (2) lock, or (3) allmem fields in the start new topic HTML page.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1212 affects MaxWebPortal version 1.30 and represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate system functionality through simple web interface modifications. This vulnerability specifically targets the start new topic HTML page where hidden form fields control access permissions and system actions. The flaw allows attackers to modify three distinct hidden fields named news, lock, and allmem which govern different aspects of forum operations including news posting capabilities, topic locking mechanisms, and member access permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the MaxWebPortal application. When users navigate to the start new topic page, the application renders HTML forms containing hidden fields that should only be modified by authenticated administrators or authorized users. However, due to inadequate server-side validation, these hidden fields can be easily modified by any remote attacker who has access to the web interface. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the application fails to properly verify user authorization before processing form submissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Attackers can exploit this flaw to post unauthorized news articles, lock topics they should not have access to, and potentially gain elevated privileges within the forum environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web-based applications. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-285 which specifically addresses improper authorization in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1548 for abuse of privileges.
The security implications of this vulnerability are severe as it essentially allows attackers to bypass the application's intended access control mechanisms entirely. The three affected fields represent critical administrative functions where unauthorized modification could lead to information disclosure, data manipulation, or service disruption. The news field modification could result in malicious content being posted to the forum, while lock field manipulation could prevent legitimate users from accessing important topics. The allmem field modification could potentially grant unauthorized access to member-only areas of the portal. Organizations using MaxWebPortal 1.30 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, proper session management, and access control verification. The recommended approach involves implementing server-side validation of all form fields, particularly hidden ones, and ensuring that user permissions are verified before processing any administrative actions. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input sanitization and access control implementation in web applications, and serves as a reminder of the long-term security implications of legacy software implementations that may not adhere to modern security standards.