CVE-2008-6228 in Pre Multi-Vendor Shopping Malls
Summary
by MITRE
Pre Multi-Vendor Shopping Malls allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrative access by setting the (1) adminname and the (2) adminid cookies to "admin".
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
This vulnerability exists in Pre Multi-Vendor Shopping Malls software where remote attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms by manipulating specific cookie values. The flaw allows unauthorized access to administrative functions through simple cookie manipulation techniques that do not require complex exploitation methods. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication system by exploiting weak cookie validation logic that does not properly verify administrative credentials before granting access to privileged functions. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental security model of the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks within the cookie handling mechanism. When the application processes the adminname and adminid cookies, it fails to properly validate whether these values correspond to legitimate administrative accounts. Instead of implementing proper authentication verification, the system accepts these cookie values at face value and grants administrative privileges based solely on the presence of these specific cookie names with the value "admin". This design flaw aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication vulnerabilities and CWE-312 which covers exposure of sensitive information through improper cookie handling. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of trust being placed in client-side data without proper server-side validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows any remote attacker to gain full administrative control over the shopping mall platform without requiring legitimate credentials or exploiting other security weaknesses. This unauthorized access enables attackers to modify product listings, manipulate pricing information, access customer data, and potentially compromise the entire platform. The vulnerability affects multiple vendors within the shopping mall ecosystem, making it particularly dangerous as it could impact numerous businesses simultaneously. Attackers can exploit this without requiring specialized tools or deep technical knowledge, making it a high-risk vulnerability that can be easily weaponized. The attack vector operates entirely through web-based cookie manipulation, eliminating the need for complex exploitation techniques or privileged access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper authentication mechanisms that validate administrative credentials through secure server-side processes rather than relying on client-side cookie values. The system should enforce strong session management practices and implement proper access control checks that verify user privileges before granting administrative functions. Security measures should include input validation for all cookie values, implementation of secure authentication protocols, and regular security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect unusual cookie manipulation patterns and establish proper incident response procedures. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and credential access categories, emphasizing the need for robust authentication controls.