CVE-2010-4728 in Application Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Zikula before 1.3.1 uses the rand and srand PHP functions for random number generation, which makes it easier for remote attackers to defeat protection mechanisms based on randomization by predicting a return value, as demonstrated by the authid protection mechanism.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4728 affects Zikula versions prior to 1.3.1 and represents a critical weakness in the application's random number generation mechanisms. This flaw stems from the application's reliance on PHP's built-in rand and srand functions, which are inherently predictable and unsuitable for security-sensitive operations. The vulnerability exposes the system to attacks that can compromise various protection mechanisms that depend on randomization for their effectiveness.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the fundamental weakness of PHP's rand() function, which employs a simple linear congruential generator algorithm that produces predictable sequences when the initial seed value is known or can be guessed. When Zikula applications use these functions for generating authid values and other security tokens, attackers can potentially reverse-engineer the random number sequences and predict future values. This predictability directly undermines the security model of the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, as demonstrated by the specific case of the authid protection mechanism that relies on randomization to prevent unauthorized access attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypasses, as it fundamentally weakens the security posture of affected Zikula installations. Attackers who can predict random values can potentially forge session identifiers, manipulate access controls, and execute unauthorized actions within the application. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-330, which specifically addresses the use of insufficiently random values in security contexts, and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to threat actors with basic knowledge of PHP random number generation weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate upgrading to Zikula version 1.3.1 or later, which addresses the random number generation issue through proper cryptographic random number generation functions. Organizations should also implement comprehensive security audits to identify other potential uses of weak random number generation within their applications and infrastructure. The remediation process should include replacing all instances of rand() and srand() with cryptographically secure alternatives such as openssl_random_pseudo_bytes() or random_int() functions, which provide the necessary entropy and unpredictability required for security-sensitive operations. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional layers of security monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper random number generation in security-sensitive applications and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when standard programming practices conflict with security requirements. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as compromised random number generation can lead to unauthorized access through predictable authentication tokens and session identifiers.