CVE-2014-5137 in Sierra
Summary
by MITRE
Innovative Interfaces Sierra Library Services Platform 1.2_3 provides different responses for login request depending on whether the user account exists, which allows remote attackers to enumerate account names via a series of login requests, possibly related to the Webpac Pro submodule.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-5137 resides within the Innovative Interfaces Sierra Library Services Platform version 1.2_3, specifically affecting the Webpac Pro submodule. This security flaw manifests as an information disclosure vulnerability that enables remote attackers to perform user account enumeration through carefully crafted login requests. The system's inconsistent response behavior creates a predictable pattern that reveals whether a given username exists within the authentication system, fundamentally undermining the security of the platform's user management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the platform's failure to provide consistent response times and error messages during the authentication process. When a login attempt is made with a non-existent username, the system generates a different response compared to when a valid username is submitted but incorrect credentials are provided. This differential response mechanism creates a side-channel attack vector that adversaries can exploit to systematically determine valid user accounts through automated enumeration techniques. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, Information Exposure, as it reveals sensitive information about the system's user base without proper access controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple account enumeration, as it provides attackers with crucial intelligence for subsequent attack phases. Once valid usernames are identified, threat actors can launch targeted password spraying or brute force attacks against the discovered accounts, significantly increasing their chances of successful unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity aspects of the system's authentication mechanism, potentially exposing sensitive library patron data and compromising the overall security posture of the institution. This issue directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, where adversaries leverage valid credentials to gain access to systems and resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5137 should focus on implementing consistent authentication response handling across all login attempts. Organizations must ensure that the system provides identical error responses regardless of whether the username exists or not, eliminating the information leakage that enables enumeration attacks. Additionally, implementing rate limiting and account lockout mechanisms can prevent automated enumeration attempts from succeeding. The platform should be updated to a patched version that addresses the inconsistent response behavior, and security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual login patterns that might indicate enumeration attempts. Network-level protections such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can also help identify and block suspicious authentication traffic patterns associated with account enumeration activities.