CVE-2008-5670 in Textpattern
Summary
by MITRE
Textpattern (aka Txp CMS) 4.0.5 does not ask for the old password during a password reset, which makes it easier for remote attackers to change a password after hijacking a session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5670 affects Textpattern Content Management System version 4.0.5, presenting a significant security flaw in the password reset mechanism that undermines user authentication integrity. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper authentication verification during password change operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit session hijacking techniques. The vulnerability operates under the principle that an attacker who has gained access to a user session can manipulate the password reset process without providing the original password, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to protect user accounts.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the password reset functionality's design where the system accepts password changes without validating the existing password before allowing modifications. This represents a direct violation of security best practices and can be categorized under CWE-305 Authentication Bypass Through User Impersonation, as the system fails to properly authenticate the user's identity before permitting sensitive operations. The vulnerability's operational impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to assume control of user accounts without proper authorization, potentially leading to data breaches, content manipulation, and unauthorized access to sensitive information within the CMS environment.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1078 Valid Accounts and T1531 Account Access Removal tactics, where adversaries leverage compromised sessions to modify user credentials and maintain persistent access. The flaw particularly affects the authentication and authorization processes within the application, making it easier for attackers to perform password reset operations without proper verification, thereby undermining the fundamental security model of the CMS. The lack of old password verification creates a window of opportunity for session hijackers to immediately change passwords and lock out legitimate users while maintaining unauthorized access to the system.
The implications of this vulnerability extend to the broader security posture of organizations using Textpattern CMS, as it demonstrates a critical flaw in session management and credential handling protocols. System administrators and security professionals must recognize that this vulnerability can be exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors such as cross-site scripting or session fixation attacks to create more comprehensive compromise scenarios. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects the core authentication mechanism of the CMS, making it a high-priority issue for immediate remediation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory password verification during reset operations, enhanced session management controls, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of this weakness. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper authentication controls and the necessity of implementing multi-factor verification mechanisms to protect against session hijacking and unauthorized access attempts.