CVE-2007-2760 in Adempiere
Summary
by MITRE
The canUpdate function in model/MRole.java in Adempiere before 3.1.6 does not properly validate user roles, which allows remote authenticated read-only users to gain read-write privileges. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2760 resides within the Adempiere enterprise resource planning system, specifically within the model/MRole.java file where the canUpdate function fails to adequately validate user roles. This flaw represents a critical authorization bypass vulnerability that undermines the system's access control mechanisms. The issue affects Adempiere versions prior to 3.1.6, making it a long-standing security weakness that could have been exploited by malicious actors over an extended period. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, specifically focusing on insufficient authorization checks within the application's role-based access control system.
The technical implementation flaw occurs in the canUpdate function where the system does not properly validate whether a user possesses the necessary privileges to perform update operations on specific roles. This function serves as a gatekeeper for role modifications within the system, yet it contains a logic error that allows authenticated users with read-only permissions to bypass normal authorization checks. When a user attempts to perform an update operation, the validation mechanism fails to correctly verify the user's actual privileges, creating a pathway for privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and access control enforcement, where the system assumes that authenticated users should have appropriate permissions based on their authentication status rather than their explicit role assignments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote authenticated read-only users to gain read-write privileges, fundamentally compromising the system's security model. This privilege escalation allows attackers to modify critical system configurations, user permissions, and business data without proper authorization. The remote nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit this weakness from outside the network perimeter, potentially leading to unauthorized data modification, privilege abuse, and system compromise. The implications extend beyond simple data corruption as the ability to escalate privileges within a role-based system can lead to broader access to sensitive business information and operational controls. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by compromising both confidentiality and integrity aspects of the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2760 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Adempiere installations to version 3.1.6 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive access control reviews to ensure that user roles are properly configured and that the principle of least privilege is maintained. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities related to role modifications and privilege changes. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments focusing on access control mechanisms and ensure that all authentication and authorization components are properly validated. The remediation process should include thorough testing to confirm that the patched version correctly enforces role-based access controls and that no regression issues have been introduced. Additionally, implementing automated monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized attempts to escalate privileges and provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation in enterprise systems and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. The flaw represents a classic example of how seemingly minor logic errors in access control functions can create significant security vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing defense-in-depth strategies including regular security code reviews, access control audits, and continuous monitoring of system activities to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications within their environment.