CVE-2013-7249 in Fat Free
Summary
by MITRE
Fat Free CRM before 0.12.1 does not restrict XML serialization, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request, as demonstrated by a request for users/1.xml, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-7224.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7249 affects Fat Free CRM versions prior to 0.12.1 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw stemming from inadequate XML serialization controls. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to extract sensitive data through direct HTTP requests without requiring authentication or specific exploitation techniques. The flaw specifically manifests when attackers make requests to endpoints such as users/1.xml, where the application fails to properly restrict XML output serialization, exposing internal system information to unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the application's handling of XML data serialization processes within its web framework. Fat Free CRM's XML output mechanism lacks proper access control checks and data filtering mechanisms that would normally prevent unauthorized access to sensitive user information. When a request is made to a user endpoint with XML format specification, the system returns complete user profile data including potentially sensitive attributes that should not be publicly accessible. This represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and output filtering, where the application assumes all XML requests are legitimate and fails to verify request authenticity or authorization status before processing.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7249 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise user privacy and system security. Attackers can systematically enumerate user accounts by making repeated requests to different user IDs, thereby building comprehensive user directories that could facilitate further attacks such as credential harvesting, social engineering campaigns, or targeted phishing attempts. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure," and demonstrates how inadequate access controls can lead to unauthorized data access. Additionally, this vulnerability can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain, supporting techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Information Gathering and Credential Access phases.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of Fat Free CRM face significant security risks including potential data breaches, compliance violations, and increased attack surface exposure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible. Security teams should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to version 0.12.1 or later, which implements proper XML serialization restrictions. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter XML requests, restricting direct access to user endpoints, and conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The incident underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling user data and sensitive information.