CVE-2008-1883 in Blackboard Academic Suite
Summary
by MITRE
The server in Blackboard Academic Suite 7.x stores MD5 password hashes that are provided directly by clients, which makes it easier for remote attackers to access accounts via a modified client that skips the javascript/md5.js hash calculation, and instead sends an arbitrary MD5 string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1883 resides within the Blackboard Academic Suite 7.x server implementation, specifically in how it processes user authentication credentials. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that fundamentally undermines the integrity of the authentication mechanism by bypassing the intended cryptographic hashing process. The server accepts password hashes directly from client-side submissions without proper validation or re-hashing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust in client-side processing.
The technical flaw stems from the server's failure to implement proper input validation and cryptographic verification mechanisms. When users submit login credentials, the Blackboard system should normally receive plaintext passwords and then apply MD5 hashing on the server side using the javascript/md5.js library as intended. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to circumvent this process entirely by crafting a modified client application that bypasses the client-side JavaScript hash calculation. Instead of sending a plaintext password that gets hashed by the server, the malicious client sends a pre-computed MD5 hash directly to the server, effectively skipping the intended security layer.
This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues in software implementations, specifically focusing on the improper handling of cryptographic functions. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110, which covers password guessing and credential dumping, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts without needing to guess or crack passwords through traditional means. An attacker can simply construct a modified client that sends any desired MD5 hash, potentially gaining access to any account by using a hash they have obtained through other means or by generating a hash for a known password.
The security implications extend beyond simple account compromise as this vulnerability represents a fundamental breakdown in the principle of least privilege and secure authentication design. The server's trust in client-side processing creates an attack surface that allows for arbitrary authentication bypass, potentially leading to complete system compromise if administrative accounts are accessible through this vulnerability. Organizations using Blackboard Academic Suite 7.x would be particularly vulnerable since the flaw exists at the core authentication mechanism, making it possible for attackers to access sensitive academic data, user information, and potentially manipulate course content or grades.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing server-side validation of authentication requests, ensuring that all password hashes are processed through the proper cryptographic functions regardless of their origin. The system should enforce proper input validation and reject any authentication attempts that bypass the intended client-side processing. Additionally, implementing proper session management, account lockout mechanisms, and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns would help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider upgrading to newer versions of Blackboard that address this vulnerability and implement proper cryptographic practices as outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-63B for digital identity management and authentication protocols.