CVE-2015-0251 in Xcode
Summary
by MITRE
The mod_dav_svn server in Subversion 1.5.0 through 1.7.19 and 1.8.0 through 1.8.11 allows remote authenticated users to spoof the svn:author property via a crafted v1 HTTP protocol request sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0251 affects the mod_dav_svn module within Apache Subversion versions ranging from 1.5.0 through 1.7.19 and 1.8.0 through 1.8.11. This represents a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of version control operations by enabling unauthorized manipulation of user attribution metadata. The vulnerability specifically targets the svn:author property which is a critical component in maintaining audit trails and accountability within version control systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of HTTP request sequences within the v1 protocol handling mechanism. Attackers can construct malicious HTTP requests that manipulate the svn:author property during repository operations, effectively allowing them to impersonate other users within the version control system. This flaw operates at the protocol level where the server fails to properly authenticate and validate the source of authorship information, creating a pathway for privilege escalation through identity spoofing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple identity theft within version control systems. Organizations relying on Subversion for source code management face potential security breaches where malicious actors can alter commit histories to obscure their actions or attribute unauthorized changes to legitimate users. This compromises the integrity of audit trails and can lead to serious consequences including code tampering, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and the undermining of software development security practices. The vulnerability affects the fundamental trust model of version control systems where the svn:author property serves as a critical authentication mechanism for code ownership and responsibility tracking.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and represents a specific instance of privilege escalation through property manipulation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving credential access and defense evasion where attackers manipulate system properties to maintain persistence and avoid detection. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to Subversion versions 1.7.20, 1.8.12, or later, which contain patches addressing the improper validation of HTTP protocol sequences. Additionally, security teams should implement monitoring for anomalous commit patterns and establish regular audit procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web-based version control systems and highlights the need for robust authentication mechanisms in distributed development environments where multiple users contribute to shared repositories.