CVE-2008-2104 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
The WebService in Bugzilla 3.1.3 allows remote authenticated users without canconfirm privileges to create NEW or ASSIGNED bug entries via a request to the XML-RPC interface, which bypasses the canconfirm check.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2104 resides within the WebService component of Bugzilla version 3.1.3, specifically affecting the XML-RPC interface implementation. This issue represents a significant authorization bypass flaw that undermines the intended access controls within the bug tracking system. The vulnerability affects remote authenticated users who lack the canconfirm privilege, which is typically required for confirming or changing bug statuses to NEW or ASSIGNED states. The flaw manifests when these users submit requests through the XML-RPC interface, enabling them to circumvent the standard permission checks that should prevent such actions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user privileges within the XML-RPC service layer. When authenticated users attempt to create or modify bug entries through the XML-RPC interface, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary canconfirm permissions. This represents a classic access control vulnerability where the authorization mechanism is bypassed through manipulation of the service interface. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the service layer level, meaning it affects all authenticated users regardless of their role within the Bugzilla system, effectively allowing privilege escalation through legitimate service interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized bug creation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the bug tracking workflow. Attackers can manipulate bug status assignments to NEW or ASSIGNED states, potentially disrupting the normal triage and assignment processes that are critical for effective software development management. This vulnerability enables malicious actors to pollute the bug database with unauthorized entries, create false reports, or manipulate the status of legitimate bugs to hide or expose information. The XML-RPC interface, being a standard web service interface, provides an accessible attack vector that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise, as it does not require complex exploitation techniques beyond crafting appropriate XML-RPC requests.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization within software systems, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering through API manipulation. The flaw essentially allows unauthorized users to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute, representing a complete breakdown in the principle of least privilege. Organizations using Bugzilla 3.1.3 are particularly vulnerable as the flaw exists in the core service implementation rather than in configuration settings, making it difficult to remediate without applying the official patches or upgrading to patched versions. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the bug tracking system, as unauthorized modifications can compromise the reliability of bug data and disrupt normal operational procedures.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability requires immediate application of the vendor-supplied patches or upgrading to Bugzilla versions that have addressed this authorization bypass issue. Organizations should also implement monitoring of XML-RPC interface usage to detect anomalous activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should review and tighten access controls for the XML-RPC interface, ensuring that only trusted users with appropriate privileges can access these service endpoints. The fix typically involves implementing proper privilege checking mechanisms within the XML-RPC service layer to ensure that all requests are validated against the user's actual permissions before processing any bug status changes or creations.