CVE-2008-6537 in LightNEasy
Summary
by MITRE
LightNEasy/lightneasy.php in LightNEasy No database version 1.2 allows remote attackers to obtain the hash of the administrator password via the setup "do" action to LightNEasy.php, which is cleared from $_GET but later accessed using $_REQUEST.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6537 affects LightNEasy No database version 1.2, specifically within the lightneasy.php script where the setup "do" action is processed. This issue represents a critical security flaw that allows remote attackers to extract the administrator password hash through improper handling of HTTP request parameters. The vulnerability stems from a fundamental flaw in input validation and parameter processing where the system clears certain parameters from the $_GET superglobal array but subsequently accesses the same parameters through the $_REQUEST superglobal, which aggregates data from $_GET, $_POST, and $_COOKIE.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the PHP superglobal variable behavior where $_REQUEST contains data from multiple sources including GET, POST, and COOKIE parameters. When the application clears $_GET variables during setup processing, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the parameters that remain accessible through $_REQUEST, creating a vector for information disclosure. This particular flaw falls under CWE-200, which addresses improper output sanitization and information exposure, and specifically relates to CWE-444 which deals with incomplete input validation and improper handling of HTTP request parameters. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of parameter contamination where the clearing of one superglobal does not prevent access to the same data through another superglobal.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it directly compromises the security of the administrative account by exposing the password hash to unauthorized parties. This information disclosure allows attackers to perform offline password cracking attacks, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the authentication mechanism of the LightNEasy content management system, undermining the confidentiality and integrity of the administrative interface. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain elevated privileges and perform malicious activities including data manipulation, content injection, and system takeover operations that align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1110 for credential access and T1078 for valid accounts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the LightNEasy application to version 1.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper parameter handling and input validation. Organizations should implement proper input sanitization techniques that ensure parameters are consistently cleared across all superglobal arrays rather than relying on clearing specific arrays. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to setup functions can help detect exploitation attempts. The fix should also include proper validation of the setup process to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on superglobal parameter handling and implement automated scanning tools to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications.