CVE-2014-3781 in Dotclear
Summary
by MITRE
The dcXmlRpc::setUser method in nc/core/class.dc.xmlrpc.php in Dotclear before 2.6.3 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via an empty password in an XML-RPC request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3781 affects Dotclear content management systems prior to version 2.6.3, specifically within the dcXmlRpc::setUser method located in nc/core/class.dc.xmlrpc.php. This authentication bypass flaw resides in the XML-RPC interface implementation that handles user account modifications. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication checks when processing XML-RPC requests that attempt to set user credentials. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting specially crafted XML-RPC requests containing empty password fields, thereby circumventing the normal authentication mechanisms that should validate user credentials before allowing account modifications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the XML-RPC protocol interface which Dotclear uses for remote management operations. When the dcXmlRpc::setUser method processes incoming requests, it fails to properly validate that password fields contain non-empty values before proceeding with user authentication. This design flaw allows malicious actors to submit XML-RPC requests with empty password parameters, effectively creating a condition where authentication validation is bypassed. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, specifically focusing on authentication bypass through weak input validation. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's access control mechanisms, enabling unauthorized modification of user accounts without proper credential verification.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes Dotclear installations to significant security risks including unauthorized account access, privilege escalation, and potential complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this bypass to modify existing user accounts or create new administrator accounts with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer, meaning successful exploitation can lead to persistent access to the system. The attack vector is remote and requires no prior authentication, making it easily exploitable by threat actors with network access to the vulnerable Dotclear installation. According to ATT&CK framework category T1110, this vulnerability falls under credential access techniques, specifically targeting authentication bypass methods that allow adversaries to gain unauthorized access to systems.
Organizations using vulnerable Dotclear installations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Dotclear version 2.6.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the authentication bypass. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to XML-RPC interfaces where possible, limiting exposure to authorized administrators only. Additionally, monitoring logs for suspicious XML-RPC activity and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. The patch for this vulnerability specifically addresses the input validation issue in the dcXmlRpc::setUser method by ensuring that password fields cannot be empty during authentication processes. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication and regular security audits of XML-RPC interface configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.