CVE-2014-5130 in ProjectDox
Summary
by MITRE
Avolve Software ProjectDox 8.1 allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information from other users via vectors involving a direct access token.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5130 affects Avolve Software ProjectDox version 8.1, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the application's security model. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the software, creating a scenario where authenticated users can exploit a direct access token to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information belonging to other users within the system. The flaw stems from inadequate session management and token validation processes that fail to properly verify user permissions when accessing resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a direct access token mechanism that does not adequately enforce user boundaries or validate access rights. When an authenticated user manipulates the token or directly accesses system resources, the application fails to properly authenticate whether the requesting user has legitimate access to the target information. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control validation, where the system assumes that any authenticated user can access any resource without proper authorization checks. The vulnerability falls under CWE-285, which addresses insufficient authorization in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering or direct access methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables lateral movement within the system and potentially leads to more severe compromises. An attacker with access to one user's credentials can leverage this flaw to access sensitive project data, user documents, and potentially confidential business information belonging to other system users. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on ProjectDox for project management and document storage, particularly in environments where sensitive data is stored. The vulnerability essentially breaks the principle of least privilege, allowing users to escalate their access beyond their intended permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5130 should focus on implementing robust session management and access control validation. Organizations should ensure that all token-based access mechanisms properly validate user permissions and enforce strict access controls for each resource. The system should implement proper authentication checks at every access point, ensuring that users cannot directly access other users' data through manipulated tokens or direct API calls. Security patches should address the core issue by strengthening the token validation process and ensuring that access tokens contain proper user context and authorization information. Additionally, implementing comprehensive logging and monitoring of access attempts can help detect unauthorized access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing role-based access controls and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other system components. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards for access control and information security management.