CVE-2008-6603 in MoinMoin
Summary
by MITRE
MoinMoin 1.6.2 and 1.7 does not properly enforce ACL checks when acl_hierarchic is set to True, which might allow remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-1937.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6603 affects MoinMoin wiki software versions 1.6.2 and 1.7, specifically when the acl_hierarchic configuration parameter is enabled. This represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the wiki system by allowing unauthorized users to bypass intended access restrictions. The issue stems from improper enforcement of Access Control List (ACL) checks within the hierarchical access control mechanism, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to protected content.
The technical flaw manifests when the acl_hierarchic setting is enabled, which should implement a hierarchical access control system where permissions cascade through directory structures. However, the implementation contains a logic error that allows attackers to bypass these hierarchical restrictions by crafting specific requests that exploit the flawed ACL evaluation process. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged remotely by anyone with network access to the affected wiki server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the wiki's security model. Attackers can potentially read, modify, or delete content that should be restricted to specific user groups or roles, leading to data exposure, content tampering, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core authentication and authorization mechanisms of the wiki software, undermining trust in the system's ability to maintain proper access controls. This type of flaw directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for malicious email, as it enables unauthorized access that could facilitate further attacks.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe given that MoinMoin wikis are commonly used for collaborative work environments, internal documentation systems, and knowledge bases where sensitive information is stored. Organizations relying on these systems may unknowingly expose confidential data to unauthorized parties, potentially leading to compliance violations, intellectual property theft, or operational disruption. The vulnerability's classification as a different issue from CVE-2008-1937 indicates that it represents a distinct security weakness rather than a variant of an existing problem, requiring specific attention and remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediately upgrading to a patched version of MoinMoin software, disabling the acl_hierarchic feature if it is not essential for the system's operation, and implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation and monitoring. Organizations should also conduct thorough audits of their wiki access controls and review user permissions to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred. The fix typically involves correcting the ACL evaluation logic to properly enforce hierarchical access restrictions and ensuring that all access control decisions are made consistently regardless of the configuration settings. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the need for regular security assessments of collaborative software platforms.