CVE-2011-1406 in Mahara
Summary
by MITRE
Mahara before 1.3.6 does not properly handle an https URL in the wwwroot configuration setting, which makes it easier for user-assisted remote attackers to obtain credentials by sniffing the network at a time when an http URL is used for a login.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1406 affects Mahara versions prior to 1.3.6 and represents a critical security flaw in how the application handles URL configuration settings. This issue specifically manifests when the wwwroot configuration parameter contains an https URL, creating a scenario where the application's behavior becomes inconsistent and potentially exploitable. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of secure versus non-secure URL protocols within the application's configuration management system, which can lead to credential exposure during authentication processes.
The technical flaw in Mahara's implementation lies in its inconsistent treatment of http and https protocols within the wwwroot setting, which serves as the primary URL base for the application. When an https URL is configured but the application subsequently falls back to using http for login operations, it creates a window where authentication credentials can be transmitted over unencrypted channels. This inconsistency allows attackers to intercept network traffic during the authentication process, particularly when the application temporarily uses http URLs for login operations despite the secure configuration being in place.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security posture. Attackers can exploit this weakness through network sniffing techniques to capture authentication tokens, passwords, or other sensitive information transmitted during the login process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only user-assisted remote access, meaning an attacker does not need to be on the same network segment as the victim but can intercept traffic from any point along the communication path. This makes the attack surface significantly broader and more accessible to various threat actors.
The flaw aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through network transmission, and demonstrates how improper configuration handling can create security vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1110.001, which covers credential access through network sniffing and T1566, which involves social engineering techniques to gain initial access. The vulnerability also reflects poor security configuration management practices that violate security best practices established in frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001.
Organizations using affected versions of Mahara should immediately implement mitigations including updating to version 1.3.6 or later, ensuring consistent protocol usage in wwwroot configuration, and implementing network monitoring to detect and prevent credential interception attempts. Additional protective measures include enforcing strict SSL/TLS configurations, implementing network segmentation, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar configuration vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining consistent security policies across all application components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes configuration validation scenarios.