CVE-2009-2003 in Password Protector SD
Summary
by MITRE
Ascad Networks Password Protector SD 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrative access by setting the (1) c7portal and (2) cookname cookies to "admin."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2024
The CVE-2009-2003 vulnerability affects Ascad Networks Password Protector SD version 1.3.1, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the security posture of the affected system. This vulnerability resides in the cookie-based authentication mechanism where the application fails to properly validate user credentials before granting administrative privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when remote attackers manipulate two critical cookies named c7portal and cookname, setting both to the value "admin" which allows unauthorized access to administrative functions without proper authentication. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and directly violates security best practices for access control implementation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's session management and privilege escalation controls. By simply modifying cookie values, an attacker can assume administrative roles within the system, bypassing all intended authentication procedures and access controls. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the application relies on client-side data to make critical security decisions. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform administrative actions such as modifying user accounts, accessing sensitive data, and altering system configurations without proper authorization. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-285: Improper Authorization, which specifically addresses situations where the application fails to properly enforce access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating potential for significant system compromise and data breaches. An attacker with access to this administrative functionality can manipulate the entire password protection system, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the protected network resources, as administrative privileges allow for unrestricted access to all system functions. This flaw particularly impacts organizations relying on the Password Protector SD for network security, as it undermines the entire security framework that the application is designed to provide. The vulnerability is especially dangerous because it requires minimal technical skill to exploit, making it attractive to both skilled and less experienced attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2003 should focus on implementing robust authentication mechanisms that do not rely solely on client-side cookie values for privilege determination. Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of Password Protector SD where this vulnerability has been addressed. The fix typically involves server-side validation of authentication credentials before setting administrative cookies, implementing proper session management, and ensuring that cookie values cannot be manipulated to escalate privileges. Security measures should include input validation for all cookie parameters, implementation of secure session tokens, and regular security audits of authentication mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to T1078: Valid Accounts and T1566: Phishing, as it enables attackers to leverage compromised administrative access and potentially facilitate further attacks within the network infrastructure. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual cookie modifications and establish proper access control policies that enforce principle of least privilege.