CVE-2013-3597 in SearchBlox
Summary
by MITRE
servlet/CollectionListServlet in SearchBlox before 7.5 build 1 allows remote attackers to read usernames and passwords via a getList action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3597 affects SearchBlox software versions prior to 7.5 build 1, specifically targeting the servlet component known as CollectionListServlet within the search functionality. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that exposes sensitive authentication credentials to remote attackers through an improperly secured API endpoint. The vulnerability resides in the servlet's handling of the getList action parameter, which fails to implement adequate access controls or authentication checks, allowing unauthorized users to retrieve stored user credentials from the system's internal data structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the CollectionListServlet component. When a remote attacker submits a malicious request containing the getList action parameter, the servlet processes this request without verifying the authenticity or authorization level of the requesting entity. This design flaw directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and authentication verification, creating an attack vector that enables credential harvesting from the application's user database. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with access to authentication data that can be leveraged for further system compromise. Once attackers obtain valid usernames and passwords, they can potentially escalate privileges, move laterally within the network, or gain persistent access to the SearchBlox application and underlying systems. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on SearchBlox for enterprise search capabilities, as it undermines the confidentiality and integrity of user authentication data. The exposure of authentication credentials through this vector can lead to complete system takeover, data breaches, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the search platform.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to SearchBlox version 7.5 build 1 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to prevent unauthorized credential access. Additionally, network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to the affected servlet endpoints, particularly limiting access to trusted IP addresses and implementing proper authentication mechanisms at the network perimeter. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of requests to the getList action parameter, and regular security audits should verify that access controls are properly configured. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing principle of least privilege access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive system components through proper authentication and authorization mechanisms.