CVE-2003-1214 in ezContents
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in the server login for VisualShapers ezContents 2.02 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass access restrictions and gain access to restricted functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1214 represents a critical authentication flaw within the VisualShapers ezContents content management system version 2.02 and earlier. This issue resides in the server login mechanism, specifically undermining the system's ability to properly verify user credentials and enforce access controls. The flaw allows remote attackers to circumvent the intended security boundaries that should protect restricted administrative functions and sensitive system areas. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they enable unauthorized access from external networks without requiring physical presence or legitimate credentials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability suggests a failure in the authentication process where the system does not adequately validate user permissions or implement proper session management controls. This type of flaw typically manifests as insufficient input validation, improper access control implementation, or flawed privilege checking mechanisms within the login subsystem. The vulnerability's classification as an authentication bypass indicates that attackers can potentially escalate their privileges or access functions that should be restricted to authorized administrators only. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control enforcement that are essential for protecting web applications from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and complete loss of administrative control over the affected web application. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate content, modify system configurations, access confidential data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the content management system, making it possible for attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected server and its contents, which could result in significant financial loss, reputation damage, and compliance violations for organizations using the vulnerable software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the VisualShapers ezContents software to the latest available version that addresses the authentication flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected system and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Security administrators should also review and strengthen access controls, implement multi-factor authentication where possible, and conduct thorough security audits of all web applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues and relates to ATT&CK technique T1110 which covers credential access through various methods including authentication bypass. Regular vulnerability assessments and security updates remain critical defensive measures against similar flaws that could be exploited by threat actors seeking to compromise web-based content management systems.