CVE-2014-5032 in GLPI
Summary
by MITRE
GLPI before 0.84.7 does not properly restrict access to cost information, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via the cost criteria in the search bar.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5032 affects GLPI versions prior to 0.84.7, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines the integrity of sensitive financial data within the system. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and access restriction mechanisms that govern how users interact with cost-related information through the application's search functionality. The vulnerability specifically targets the cost criteria field in the search bar, where unauthorized users can manipulate query parameters to access data they should not be permitted to view, creating a significant information disclosure risk that extends beyond normal user permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the application's authorization model, where the system fails to properly validate user privileges when processing search queries containing cost-related parameters. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious search requests that bypass normal access controls, effectively allowing them to retrieve cost information that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. This represents a classic case of inadequate access control enforcement, where the application's security mechanisms are bypassed through manipulation of input parameters rather than through direct system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in implementing proper authentication and authorization checks at the application layer, allowing privilege escalation through indirect means.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as cost data often contains sensitive financial information that could be used for competitive advantage, fraud, or other malicious purposes. Organizations using affected GLPI versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to budget allocations, vendor pricing information, and other financial details that should remain confidential within the organization. This vulnerability directly violates principles of least privilege and data classification, as it allows users to access information beyond their designated roles and responsibilities. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability is accessible through standard search functionality, making it easily exploitable by both internal and external threat actors without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address the root cause through proper access control implementation and input validation measures. Organizations should immediately upgrade to GLPI version 0.84.7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the access restriction flaw. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level controls to limit access to the GLPI application, particularly for users who do not require access to cost information. The remediation process should include comprehensive access control reviews to ensure that user permissions are properly configured and that the principle of least privilege is enforced throughout the system. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual search patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other system components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues, and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering through information gathering.