CVE-2008-1166 in Flyspray
Summary
by MITRE
Flyspray 0.9.9.4 generates different error messages depending on whether the username is valid or invalid, which allows remote attackers to enumerate usernames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1166 affects Flyspray version 0.9.9.4 and represents a classic account enumeration flaw that exposes system security through inconsistent error messaging. This issue resides within the authentication mechanism of the bug tracking system where the application provides different error responses based on whether a username exists in the system. When an attacker attempts to log in with a username that does not exist, the system returns one type of error message, whereas attempting to log in with a valid username but incorrect password produces a different error response. This differential behavior creates a reconnaissance opportunity for malicious actors to systematically determine valid usernames through automated testing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from poor error handling practices within the Flyspray authentication module. The system's design fails to maintain consistent error messaging regardless of the authentication outcome, violating fundamental security principles of information hiding and least privilege. This flaw directly maps to CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure Through Error Message," and also aligns with CWE-384, "Session Management Issues," as it facilitates unauthorized access through systematic user enumeration. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests or automated tools that iterate through potential usernames while observing the system's response variations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to conduct systematic user enumeration attacks that can lead to more sophisticated exploitation attempts. Once valid usernames are identified, attackers can focus their efforts on password spraying, brute force attacks, or social engineering campaigns targeting specific individuals. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for account takeover attempts, as the enumeration process can be combined with other attack vectors such as credential stuffing or password reuse exploitation. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides the foundation for more serious attacks including privilege escalation and persistent access to the system.
The security implications of this vulnerability are significant given that it operates without requiring any special privileges or advanced techniques from the attacker. The attack surface is broad since the enumeration can be performed through any standard web browser or automated tool without detection, making it particularly dangerous for systems with large user bases. The flaw also demonstrates a lack of proper security testing and input validation within the application's authentication flow. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as rate limiting, account lockout mechanisms, and consistent error messaging as mitigation strategies. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security guidelines from frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risks associated with information disclosure and authentication weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include implementing consistent error messaging across all authentication attempts, regardless of whether the username exists in the system. This approach ensures that attackers cannot distinguish between valid and invalid usernames through error responses. Organizations should also implement account lockout mechanisms after a predetermined number of failed authentication attempts, which can prevent automated enumeration attacks from succeeding. Additionally, the application should be updated to a newer version of Flyspray that addresses this specific vulnerability, as the developers have likely implemented proper error handling and security measures in subsequent releases. The implementation of CAPTCHA mechanisms or additional authentication factors can further strengthen the system's resistance to enumeration attacks. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect and alert on unusual patterns of authentication attempts that may indicate automated enumeration activities.