CVE-2013-2747 in Access Risk Management Suite
Summary
by MITRE
The password reset feature in Courion Access Risk Management Suite Version 8 Update 9 allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended Internet Explorer usage restrictions and execute arbitrary commands by using keyboard shortcuts to navigate the file system and open a command prompt.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2747 resides within the Courion Access Risk Management Suite Version 8 Update 9, specifically targeting the password reset functionality. This weakness represents a critical security flaw that undermines the intended access controls and operational integrity of the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 as an improper access control issue, where the system fails to properly restrict user actions that should be limited to specific contexts or privileges. The flaw manifests when authenticated users exploit the password reset feature to manipulate the application's interface and gain unauthorized system access through Internet Explorer's keyboard navigation shortcuts.
The technical mechanism of exploitation involves leveraging the password reset workflow to navigate the application's user interface in unintended ways. Attackers can utilize keyboard shortcuts that are typically restricted within the application's context to traverse the file system and ultimately open a command prompt. This bypass mechanism exploits the lack of proper input validation and context awareness within the application's interface handling code. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient privilege separation where the application does not adequately enforce the boundaries between user interface operations and system-level command execution. The flaw specifically targets the Internet Explorer browser integration within the Courion suite, making it particularly dangerous in environments where this browser is the primary interface for accessing the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Remote authenticated users can execute arbitrary commands on the system, effectively allowing them to gain complete control over the affected server or workstation. This represents a severe elevation of privilege vulnerability that can lead to data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that attackers who have obtained legitimate user credentials can exploit this weakness without requiring additional authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability affects the overall security posture of organizations relying on Courion Access Risk Management Suite, as it provides a pathway for attackers to circumvent security controls that are specifically designed to prevent unauthorized access to system resources.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the specific interface navigation bypass issue. Network segmentation and access control measures should be reinforced to limit the potential damage from authenticated attacks. The implementation of additional authentication layers and privilege management controls can help reduce the impact if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized file system navigation activities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical concern for organizations implementing security controls based on these threat models. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar interface-based vulnerabilities that might exist in other applications within the organization's attack surface.