CVE-2005-4851 in eZ publish
Summary
by MITRE
eZ publish 3.4.4 through 3.7 before 20050722 applies certain permissions on the node level, which allows remote authenticated users to bypass the original permissions on embedded objects in XML fields and read these objects.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4851 affects eZ publish content management systems version 3.4.4 through 3.7 prior to the 20050722 release, representing a significant access control flaw that undermines the system's security model. This issue specifically targets the node-level permission mechanisms implemented within the eZ publish framework, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to circumvent intended security controls. The vulnerability exploits the inconsistent application of permissions between the parent node structure and embedded objects contained within XML fields, allowing malicious users to gain unauthorized access to content that should otherwise remain restricted.
The technical flaw stems from an improper implementation of permission checking logic within the XML field processing components of eZ publish. When objects are embedded within XML fields, the system fails to properly enforce the original permission settings that were established at the node level. This creates a scenario where users with legitimate access to a parent node can bypass the permission boundaries of embedded objects and access content that was intended to be restricted. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level rather than network level, meaning that only authenticated users can exploit it, but those users can potentially access content outside their designated permissions scope.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a critical compromise of the content management system's integrity and confidentiality. Remote authenticated users can access sensitive information that was meant to be protected by the permission system, potentially leading to data leakage, unauthorized content exposure, and potential escalation of privileges within the system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely, allowing attackers to leverage their authenticated session to access content that should be restricted based on user roles or access levels. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to gather intelligence about content structure and access patterns that could be used for further exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation through access control bypass. Organizations implementing eZ publish systems should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch released on 20050722 to address this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include immediate deployment of the security update, followed by comprehensive review of existing access controls and permission settings to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and consider implementing additional security controls such as role-based access control reviews and regular permission audits to prevent similar issues in the future. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of thorough permission testing and validation in content management systems, particularly when dealing with embedded content and complex field structures that may not properly inherit or enforce access controls from parent objects.