CVE-2004-2733 in Web Wiz Forums
Summary
by MITRE
Web Wiz Forums 7.7a uses invalid logic to determine user privileges, which allows remote attackers to (1) block arbitrary IP addresses via pop_up_ip_blocking.asp or (2) modify topics via pop_up_topic_admin.asp.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2733 resides within Web Wiz Forums version 7.7a, a widely deployed web-based discussion platform that has been targeted by malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to forum administrative functions. This issue stems from flawed privilege validation mechanisms that fail to properly authenticate user permissions before granting access to critical administrative operations. The vulnerability specifically affects two key administrative functions within the forum's web interface, creating potential pathways for unauthorized users to manipulate forum content and restrict access for legitimate users.
The technical flaw manifests through invalid logic in the privilege determination process, which operates under the assumption that certain administrative actions can be performed without proper authorization checks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects two distinct attack vectors: IP address blocking and topic modification. The pop_up_ip_blocking.asp script allows attackers to remotely block arbitrary IP addresses without proper authentication, while pop_up_topic_admin.asp enables unauthorized modification of forum topics. Both scripts demonstrate a fundamental failure in input validation and privilege escalation controls, creating a scenario where any authenticated user could potentially exploit these functions to compromise forum integrity and user access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the Web Wiz Forums platform. Attackers who can exploit this vulnerability gain the ability to disrupt forum operations by blocking legitimate users from accessing the platform, effectively creating a denial of service condition. Additionally, the capability to modify topics allows for content manipulation, which can be used to spread misinformation, deface the forum, or redirect users to malicious websites. This represents a significant compromise of the forum's integrity and trustworthiness, potentially leading to reputational damage and loss of user confidence in the platform's security measures.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078, which covers valid accounts for unauthorized access. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks where the application fails to verify that users possess the necessary privileges before executing administrative functions. Organizations using Web Wiz Forums 7.7a should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch, implementing network-level access controls to restrict access to administrative scripts, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all forum components. Additional defensive measures should include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, implementing proper user account management procedures, and establishing regular security assessments to identify similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities in other web applications. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the necessity of thorough security testing for all administrative functions within web-based platforms.