CVE-2011-0399 in Piwik
Summary
by MITRE
Piwik before 1.1 does not prevent the rendering of the login form inside a frame in a third-party HTML document, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0399 affects Piwik versions prior to 1.1, specifically targeting the web application's security mechanisms related to frame rendering and clickjacking protection. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper security headers that would prevent its login form from being embedded within frames on third-party websites. The vulnerability represents a significant security flaw that directly impacts the integrity of user authentication processes and exposes sensitive login interfaces to malicious exploitation techniques.
The technical flaw manifests through the absence of the X-Frame-Options HTTP response header in Piwik's web server configuration. This header is essential for preventing clickjacking attacks by instructing browsers not to render web pages within frame, object, or iframe elements from different origins. Without this security mechanism, attackers can create malicious websites that embed the Piwik login form within invisible or deceptive frames positioned over legitimate interface elements. When users interact with what they believe to be a legitimate website, they may unknowingly click on elements within the embedded login form, potentially transmitting their credentials to the attacker's server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a vector for sophisticated social engineering attacks that can compromise entire user accounts and potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive analytics data. Attackers can craft convincing phishing pages that appear legitimate while silently capturing user authentication information. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Piwik for web analytics, as compromised login credentials could allow attackers to modify tracking configurations, access sensitive visitor data, or even inject malicious code into the analytics infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it affects the core authentication mechanism, making it a prime target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0399 should focus on implementing proper HTTP security headers, specifically the X-Frame-Options header with appropriate values such as DENY or SAMEORIGIN. Organizations should upgrade to Piwik version 1.1 or later, which includes the necessary security patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, security-conscious administrators should implement Content Security Policy headers as an additional layer of protection. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which describes improper restriction of rendering of objects across domains, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1531, which involves manipulation of web advertisements or content. Regular security audits should verify that all web applications implement proper frame-embedding controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.