CVE-2008-6714 in xeCMS
Summary
by MITRE
admin.php in xeCMS 1.0.0 RC2 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and access the admin panel by setting the xecms_username cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6714 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within the xeCMS content management system version 1.0.0 RC2 and earlier. This issue stems from improper validation of user credentials within the administrative interface, specifically exploiting a weakness in how the system handles session management and authentication tokens. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized administrative access by simply manipulating a single cookie value, specifically the xecms_username cookie, which should normally be validated through proper authentication mechanisms before granting access to privileged functions.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and improper session handling, which falls under CWE-287 - Improper Authentication. The vulnerability exists because the system does not adequately verify that the user attempting to access the administrative panel has legitimate credentials before granting access. When an attacker sets the xecms_username cookie to any value, the system accepts this without proper authentication checks, effectively allowing unauthorized access to the admin panel. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no complex exploitation techniques or privileged access to the target system, making it easily exploitable by any remote attacker who can manipulate cookies through standard web browser capabilities or automated tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete administrative control over affected xeCMS installations. Once authenticated, attackers can modify website content, add or remove users, change system configurations, and potentially escalate their privileges further within the compromised environment. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it exploits legitimate administrative access paths through manipulation of session cookies rather than brute force or credential theft methods. The implications extend beyond simple content modification, as administrators could potentially install malicious code, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper authentication mechanisms and cookie validation procedures. System administrators should immediately upgrade to xeCMS versions that have patched this vulnerability, as the original version 1.0.0 RC2 and earlier contain no built-in protections against such cookie manipulation attacks. Organizations should also implement proper cookie security measures including secure flags, HttpOnly attributes, and proper session management protocols to prevent similar issues in the future. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual cookie manipulation patterns and unauthorized access attempts to administrative interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top 10, specifically addressing issues related to authentication and session management controls.