CVE-2014-2873 in Commonspot Content Server
Summary
by MITRE
PaperThin CommonSpot before 7.0.2 and 8.x before 8.0.3 does not require authentication for access to log files, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive server information by using a predictable name in a request for a file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2873 affects PaperThin CommonSpot content management systems prior to versions 7.0.2 and 8.0.3, representing a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive server information through improper access controls. This vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient authentication mechanisms and can be classified as CWE-287, which specifically addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to server log files without requiring any authentication credentials, creating a significant exposure point for sensitive operational data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the predictable naming convention used for log files within the CommonSpot application. When attackers can predict the names of log files through pattern recognition or enumeration techniques, they can directly request these files without authentication. This predictable file naming scheme allows adversaries to systematically access various log files that contain sensitive information including user credentials, system configurations, error messages, and potentially database connection strings. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper access control mechanisms that would normally require authentication before serving sensitive files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides attackers with comprehensive insights into the server's operational environment and potential attack vectors. Log files typically contain detailed information about system operations, user activities, and application behavior that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Attackers can use the information obtained from these log files to identify system weaknesses, understand application architecture, and plan more sophisticated attacks. The exposure of server information through this vulnerability can lead to privilege escalation, data theft, and system compromise, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on CommonSpot for content management.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched versions 7.0.2 and 8.0.3, which address the authentication requirements for log file access. Additional security measures should include implementing proper access controls for all sensitive files, using non-predictable naming conventions for log files, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities. The mitigation strategies align with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses legitimate credentials and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through various means. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should also be deployed to monitor for suspicious file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation and the potential consequences of predictable file naming conventions in web applications.