CVE-2013-6789 in SilverStripe
Summary
by MITRE
security/MemberLoginForm.php in SilverStripe 3.0.3 supports credentials in a GET request, which allows remote or local attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading web-server access logs, web-server Referer logs, or the browser history, a similar vulnerability to CVE-2013-2653.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6789 affects SilverStripe version 3.0.3 and relates to improper handling of authentication credentials within the security/MemberLoginForm.php component. This flaw represents a critical security oversight that exposes sensitive authentication information through multiple attack vectors including web server access logs, referer logs, and browser history mechanisms. The vulnerability directly enables credential leakage by permitting authentication parameters to be transmitted via GET requests, which are inherently insecure due to their visibility in URL parameters and logging mechanisms. This design flaw creates an attack surface that allows both remote and local adversaries to obtain sensitive information through simple log file analysis or browser history inspection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize authentication input methods. When users submit login credentials through the MemberLoginForm, the system accepts username and password information via GET parameters instead of the more secure POST method. This approach violates fundamental web security principles and creates persistent exposure of authentication data throughout the application's logging infrastructure. The vulnerability operates under CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically aligns with CWE-312, concerning exposure of sensitive data through information leakage in client-side logs and browser history. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and insufficient security controls during the authentication process, creating opportunities for attackers to harvest credentials from server-side access logs where GET parameters are typically recorded.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for organizations using SilverStripe 3.0.3. Attackers can exploit this weakness by simply accessing server logs or monitoring network traffic to extract user authentication details, potentially leading to unauthorized system access, privilege escalation, and data breaches. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2013-2653 indicates a pattern of insecure credential handling that affects multiple components within the SilverStripe framework. This exposure creates a persistent risk where compromised credentials can be used across different systems and services, particularly when users employ the same passwords across multiple platforms. The vulnerability also enables passive reconnaissance attacks where threat actors can monitor network traffic or access logs to identify valid authentication parameters and subsequently target specific user accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6789 require immediate implementation of secure authentication practices including mandatory use of POST requests for credential submission, implementation of proper input validation, and comprehensive log sanitization. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of SilverStripe that address this vulnerability and implement security controls such as HTTP headers to prevent credential leakage in referer headers. The solution involves architectural changes to ensure that authentication parameters are never transmitted via GET requests and that all sensitive information is properly secured through encryption and access control mechanisms. Security measures should include regular log monitoring to detect credential exposure patterns, implementation of secure coding practices that enforce proper authentication handling, and adherence to security frameworks such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security. Additionally, organizations must establish comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential credential compromise and implement multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of credential theft.