CVE-2013-0080 in SharePoint Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 SP1 and SharePoint Foundation 2010 SP1 allow remote attackers to bypass intended read restrictions for content, and hijack user accounts, via a crafted URL, aka "Callback Function Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0080 represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 SP1 and SharePoint Foundation 2010 SP1 that enables remote attackers to circumvent intended access controls and potentially compromise user accounts. This vulnerability stems from a flaw in how SharePoint processes callback functions within URLs, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to restricted content and user session hijacking. The issue manifests when specially crafted URLs are submitted to the SharePoint server, allowing attackers to exploit the callback mechanism in ways that were not intended by the application's security model.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control and session management flaws, specifically related to how the system handles callback functions in web requests. When SharePoint processes these malformed URLs, the callback function parameters are not properly validated or sanitized, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended behavior of the application. This flaw creates a path where unauthorized users can bypass authentication mechanisms and gain read access to content that should be restricted to specific user groups or permissions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust placed in certain URL parameters by the SharePoint framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it directly affects the confidentiality and integrity of information stored within SharePoint environments. Attackers can exploit this flaw to access sensitive documents, data, and resources that are protected by access control lists, potentially leading to data breaches and unauthorized information disclosure. The ability to hijack user accounts through this vulnerability compounds the risk, as it allows attackers to assume the identity of legitimate users and perform actions within the system using their privileges. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SharePoint serves as a central collaboration and document management platform.
Organizations affected by CVE-2013-0080 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official Microsoft security patches released for this vulnerability, which address the callback function processing logic. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious URL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and tighten access control policies, implement additional logging mechanisms for callback function usage, and conduct thorough security assessments of SharePoint configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which covers improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through malicious URLs. Regular security awareness training for administrators and users can help identify potential exploitation attempts, while implementing web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers against such attacks.