CVE-2008-6473 in Blogator-script
Summary
by MITRE
_blogadata/include/init_pass2.php in Blogator-script 0.95 allows remote attackers to change the password for arbitrary users via a modified "a" parameter with a "%" wildcard symbol in the b parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6473 affects Blogator-script version 0.95 and represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate user account credentials. This issue resides within the _blogadata/include/init_pass2.php script which handles password modification functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle special characters in user-supplied parameters, creating a path for unauthorized privilege escalation and account takeover scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a specific parameter manipulation pattern where attackers can modify the "a" parameter while injecting a "%" wildcard symbol into the "b" parameter. This design flaw allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted requests that bypass normal authentication checks and gain unauthorized access to modify user passwords. The wildcard character enables attackers to match multiple user accounts or bypass validation logic entirely, effectively creating a privilege escalation vector that can target any user within the system's user base.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft as it provides attackers with the capability to assume control of arbitrary user accounts within the Blogator-script environment. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized content manipulation. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications. Organizations using this vulnerable software face significant risk of unauthorized access to their blogging platforms and associated user data.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in authentication and authorization flows. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic example of how inadequate parameter handling can lead to privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and authentication mechanisms that do not rely on simple parameter manipulation for critical operations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting credential access and defense evasion tactics. Patch management procedures should be prioritized to address this vulnerability, as the affected version 0.95 likely contains additional security flaws that compound the risk profile of the system.