CVE-2015-2918 in Server Community Edition
Summary
by MITRE
The Studio component in OrientDB Server Community Edition before 2.0.15 and 2.1.x before 2.1.1 does not properly restrict use of FRAME elements, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a crafted web site.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-2918 affects the Studio component of OrientDB Server Community Edition, specifically versions prior to 2.0.15 and 2.1.1. This flaw resides in the web-based administrative interface that allows users to interact with the database through a graphical user interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient restrictions on FRAME elements within the web application's HTML structure, creating a security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors. The issue is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative interface that typically requires elevated privileges and contains sensitive database management functions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute clickjacking attacks, where they craft malicious websites designed to trick users into performing unintended actions while interacting with the vulnerable OrientDB Studio interface.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of HTML FRAME elements within the OrientDB Studio web application. When a user visits a malicious website containing crafted FRAME elements, these elements can be used to overlay the legitimate OrientDB administrative interface with deceptive content. This allows attackers to manipulate user interactions and potentially perform unauthorized operations on the database server. The vulnerability specifically relates to the lack of proper content security policy headers and frame-busting techniques that should prevent the application from being embedded within other web pages. This weakness creates an environment where users may unknowingly interact with malicious overlays while believing they are working with the legitimate database administration interface, leading to potential unauthorized access or operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using affected versions of OrientDB Server Community Edition. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to conduct clickjacking attacks without requiring authentication or direct access to the database server. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet, potentially allowing attackers to perform administrative functions such as creating new users, modifying database configurations, or executing arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability undermines the security of the administrative interface, which is typically considered a critical component requiring strict access controls. Organizations may experience unauthorized data manipulation, privilege escalation, or potential data breaches if attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, especially in environments where the OrientDB server is exposed to untrusted networks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1021, which describes improper restriction of operations within a limited context, and represents a specific instance of clickjacking or user interface redressing attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use social engineering techniques combined with this web-based vulnerability to compromise systems. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability affects the web-based administrative interface, which is typically accessible over HTTP or HTTPS protocols. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as frame-busting scripts, proper content security policy headers, and ensuring that administrative interfaces are not exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software components updated, as the issue was resolved in versions 2.0.15 and 2.1.1 of OrientDB Server Community Edition, demonstrating the critical nature of timely patch management for web application security.