CVE-2011-2676 in A-Form
Summary
by MITRE
The A-Form and A-Form bamboo before 1.3.6 and 2.x before 2.0.3, and A-Form PC and PC/Mobile before 3.1, plug-ins for Movable Type do not require administrative authentication, which allows remote authenticated users to modify data via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2676 affects multiple versions of A-Form and A-Form bamboo plug-ins for Movable Type content management systems. This represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the fundamental security model of these web applications. The issue stems from the absence of proper administrative authentication checks within the plug-in components, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 1.3.6 for A-Form and A-Form bamboo, versions prior to 2.0.3 for A-Form 2.x, and versions prior to 3.1 for A-Form PC and PC/Mobile. This authentication failure allows remote authenticated users to manipulate system data through unspecified vectors, effectively bypassing the intended access controls that should protect administrative functions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. This flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to functions and data commensurate with their assigned roles. The vulnerability exists at the application logic level where the plug-in components fail to validate user credentials or administrative privileges before executing sensitive operations. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack surface encompasses multiple potential entry points within the plug-in architecture, making the vulnerability particularly concerning as it could be exploited through various methods. The authentication bypass allows attackers to perform administrative actions that should be restricted to authorized personnel, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems. Remote authenticated users who can exploit this vulnerability gain the ability to manipulate content, alter system configurations, and potentially access sensitive information. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authentication, not necessarily elevated privileges, meaning that any user who can log into the system could potentially exploit this flaw. The implications for organizations using affected Movable Type installations are severe, as attackers could modify website content, deface sites, or manipulate user data. The vulnerability also creates potential for privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might use this flaw as a stepping stone to gain deeper system access. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1548 which addresses abuse of privileges, highlighting the broader attack surface this flaw exposes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2676 require immediate action to upgrade affected systems to patched versions of the A-Form plug-ins. Organizations should prioritize updating to versions 1.3.6 or later for A-Form and A-Form bamboo, 2.0.3 or later for A-Form 2.x, and 3.1 or later for A-Form PC and PC/Mobile. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Security administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected installations and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. The remediation process should also include monitoring for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, as well as reviewing system logs for any unauthorized administrative actions that could have occurred due to this vulnerability. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar authentication bypass issues in other components of the web application stack.