CVE-2008-1475 in Roundup
Summary
by MITRE
The xml-rpc server in Roundup 1.4.4 does not check property permissions, which allows attackers to bypass restrictions and edit or read restricted properties via the (1) list, (2) display, and (3) set methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1475 represents a critical authorization flaw within the xml-rpc server implementation of Roundup 1.4.4, a widely used issue tracking and project management system. This vulnerability stems from insufficient property permission validation mechanisms that fail to properly enforce access controls when processing xml-rpc requests. The flaw specifically affects three core methods within the xml-rpc interface: list, display, and set operations, which are fundamental to the system's data retrieval and modification capabilities. The absence of proper permission checks creates a pathway for unauthorized users to circumvent the intended security boundaries that should protect sensitive data and system functionality.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a failure in the authentication and authorization framework where the xml-rpc server processes requests without verifying whether the requesting user possesses adequate privileges to access or modify specific properties. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, specifically focusing on insufficient authorization checks within web services. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to construct xml-rpc requests that target restricted properties through the three exposed methods, effectively bypassing the normal permission validation processes that should occur before any data manipulation or retrieval occurs. This represents a classic case of privilege escalation where unauthenticated or low-privilege users can gain access to restricted system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Attackers can leverage this flaw to read sensitive information that should only be accessible to authorized personnel, potentially exposing confidential project details, user credentials, or system configurations. The ability to edit restricted properties through the set method creates additional risks including unauthorized modifications to critical system parameters, data corruption, or the ability to inject malicious content into the system. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Roundup for project management where sensitive business data and intellectual property may be stored within the system. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability affects core data operations rather than just display functions, meaning that attackers can not only view restricted information but also modify it, potentially causing significant disruption to project workflows and data integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper authorization checks within the xml-rpc server implementation, ensuring that all property access requests are validated against user permissions before processing. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of Roundup that address this authorization flaw, as the vulnerability exists in the specific version 1.4.4 and likely affects other versions within the same release cycle. The fix should incorporate robust permission validation mechanisms that verify user credentials and privileges before allowing access to restricted properties through any of the three affected methods. Additionally, system administrators should implement network-level controls such as firewalls and access control lists to limit xml-rpc server exposure, while also ensuring that the system operates with the principle of least privilege, restricting access to the xml-rpc interface to only authorized personnel. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and credential access, highlighting the importance of proper access control implementation and the need for comprehensive security testing of web service interfaces.