CVE-2008-7179 in OTManager
Summary
by MITRE
OTManager CMS 2.4 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrator privileges by setting the ADMIN_Hora, ADMIN_Logado, and ADMIN_Nome cookies to certain values, as reachable in Admin/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-7179 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within OTManager CMS version 2.4 that exposes the system to unauthorized administrative access. This issue stems from improper session management and insufficient input validation within the administrative interface, specifically in the Admin/index.php file. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate cookie values to assume administrative privileges without proper authentication, creating a significant security risk for any system utilizing this content management solution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of three specific cookies: ADMIN_Hora, ADMIN_Logado, and ADMIN_Nome. These cookies are typically used to maintain administrative session state and verify user privileges within the CMS. By setting these cookies to predetermined values, an attacker can effectively bypass the normal authentication flow and gain full administrative access to the system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication mechanisms, and represents a classic case of insecure session management where cookie values are not properly validated or sanitized.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the CMS administration interface. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can modify content, add or remove users, alter system configurations, and potentially gain access to sensitive data stored within the CMS. The remote nature of this exploit means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the CMS is exposed to public networks. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts through compromised credentials, as the attacker essentially hijacks administrative sessions through cookie manipulation.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how improper session handling can lead to complete system compromise. The flaw demonstrates the importance of implementing robust input validation and proper session management practices, particularly in administrative interfaces where elevated privileges are granted. Organizations using OTManager CMS 2.4 should immediately implement mitigations including disabling cookie-based authentication mechanisms, implementing proper session token generation, and ensuring that administrative interfaces are properly secured through network segmentation and access controls. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the necessity of regular security audits and the importance of keeping CMS platforms updated to address known authentication bypass vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threat actors.