CVE-2015-2298 in Etherpad
Summary
by MITRE
node/utils/ExportEtherpad.js in Etherpad 1.5.x before 1.5.2 might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging an improper substring check when exporting a padID.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2298 affects Etherpad versions 1.5.x prior to 1.5.2, specifically within the node/utils/ExportEtherpad.js component. This issue represents a security flaw that could potentially expose sensitive information to remote attackers through improper input validation during pad export operations. The vulnerability stems from a flawed substring checking mechanism that fails to properly validate pad identifiers, creating an avenue for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper substring validation logic within the export functionality where the system does not adequately verify the format or legitimacy of pad identifiers before processing export requests. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate input parameters in ways that bypass normal access controls and potentially retrieve information from other users' pads or system resources. The vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and weak access control mechanisms, with potential implications for data confidentiality and system integrity.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability could enable remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive pad data, potentially including user content, collaboration information, or system metadata that should remain protected. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it could facilitate further attacks through the exposure of system internals or user data that could be leveraged for social engineering or additional exploitation attempts. Organizations relying on Etherpad for collaborative document editing could face significant security risks if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic case of insufficient access control validation in web applications. Attackers could exploit this through crafted pad identifiers that bypass the substring validation checks, potentially accessing pads they should not have authorization to view. This weakness demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content and collaborative data. Mitigation efforts should focus on implementing proper pad identifier validation, updating to Etherpad 1.5.2 or later versions, and conducting thorough security reviews of input handling mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level protections and monitoring for suspicious export activity to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of comprehensive security testing including input validation and access control testing as recommended by various security frameworks and standards.