CVE-2009-4546 in BBS
Summary
by MITRE
globepersonnel_login.asp in Logoshows BBS 2.0 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrative access by setting the (1) pb_username (aka pb%5Fusername) and (2) level cookies.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4546 affects the Logoshows BBS 2.0 web application, specifically targeting the globepersonnel_login.asp component. This represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to escalate privileges without proper credentials. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and insecure cookie handling mechanisms within the application's authentication framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves manipulation of HTTP cookies to circumvent the standard authentication process. Attackers can directly set the pb_username and level cookies to arbitrary values, effectively allowing them to assume administrative privileges within the system. This flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor security design principles where cookie values are not properly validated or sanitized before being processed by the authentication system. The vulnerability specifically targets the level cookie parameter which is used to determine user permissions and access rights.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations using Logoshows BBS 2.0 as it provides unauthorized remote access to administrative functions. Once exploited, attackers can modify system configurations, access sensitive data, create or modify user accounts, and potentially establish persistent access to the system. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or knowledge of valid user credentials to exploit it. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet without detection.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper handling of authentication tokens, and represents a classic example of insecure authentication mechanisms. From the MITRE ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques where adversaries manipulate system parameters to gain elevated access rights. The cookie manipulation approach also relates to technique T1555.003, which involves the use of credentials from password stores. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation, proper cookie security measures, and regular security assessments to prevent such vulnerabilities. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the affected application, implementation of secure cookie handling practices, and deployment of web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious cookie manipulation attempts.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate unauthorized access as it can serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network. Attackers may use the administrative access to install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or launch additional attacks against other systems within the organization's infrastructure. The lack of proper authentication validation in the application's core components indicates a fundamental security flaw that requires immediate attention and remediation to prevent potential compromise of the entire system.