CVE-2015-10103 in Forget It
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in InternalError503 Forget It up to 1.3. This affects an unknown part of the file js/settings.js. The manipulation of the argument setForgetTime with the input 0 leads to infinite loop. It is possible to launch the attack on the local host. Upgrading to version 1.4 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is adf0c7fd59b9c935b4fd675c556265620124999c. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-226119.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2023
This vulnerability resides within the InternalError503 Forget It plugin version 1.3 and specifically targets the js/settings.js file where an improper input validation flaw exists in the setForgetTime argument handling. The vulnerability manifests as an infinite loop condition when the argument receives a value of zero, creating a denial of service scenario that can be exploited locally on the host system. The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate boundary checking and input sanitization within the javascript execution context, allowing malicious input to trigger an unbounded loop iteration that consumes system resources and potentially crashes the application. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which describes the weakness of an infinite loop or infinite recursion, and represents a classic example of a resource exhaustion attack vector that can be leveraged for denial of service conditions. The attack surface is limited to local execution as the vulnerability requires direct access to the affected system, though this local privilege escalation capability still presents significant risk to system availability. The vulnerability operates through a straightforward exploitation pattern where an attacker can manipulate the setForgetTime parameter to zero, causing the javascript runtime to enter an infinite loop that prevents normal application operation. This represents a particularly concerning issue because it can be triggered through legitimate application interfaces, making it difficult to distinguish between normal usage and malicious exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the application fails to implement proper input validation and loop termination conditions. The fix implemented in version 1.4 involves a patch identified by the hash adf0c7fd59b9c935b4fd675c556265620124999c, which addresses the input validation logic and introduces proper loop boundary checks to prevent the infinite iteration scenario. This patch represents a standard defensive programming approach that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers the use of resource exhaustion attacks to cause denial of service conditions. The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to version 1.4 or later, as this ensures the patched code resolves the input validation weakness and prevents the infinite loop condition from being triggered. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, though the local nature of this vulnerability limits its broader impact. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and defensive programming practices in client-side javascript applications, where improper handling of user-provided data can lead to system instability and availability issues. The security implications extend beyond simple denial of service as the infinite loop can consume significant system resources and potentially affect other applications running on the same host system. System administrators should prioritize this update to prevent exploitation and maintain overall system stability, particularly in environments where multiple applications share common resources and execution contexts.