CVE-2016-1219 in Garoon
Summary
by MITRE
Cybozu Garoon before 4.2.2 allows remote attackers to bypass login authentication via vectors related to API use.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1219 affects Cybozu Garoon versions prior to 4.2.2, presenting a critical authentication bypass flaw that enables remote attackers to circumvent the system's login protection mechanisms. This issue specifically relates to improper handling of API requests within the application's authentication flow, creating a pathway for unauthorized access without legitimate credentials. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of API endpoints that should require proper authentication before executing privileged operations.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's failure to adequately verify authentication status when processing API calls. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious API requests that bypass the normal login sequence, effectively allowing them to access protected resources and perform administrative functions as if they were authenticated users. The vulnerability manifests when the system does not properly enforce session validation or authentication tokens during API interactions, creating a window where unauthorized parties can leverage the API interface to gain system access. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to potentially escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands within the Garoon environment. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw from any location without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this collaboration platform for business-critical operations. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire system since unauthorized users can access sensitive data, modify configurations, and potentially establish persistent access through the compromised API endpoints.
Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided patch for Cybozu Garoon version 4.2.2 to address this vulnerability, as the flaw creates an open door for malicious actors to compromise the entire system. Security teams should also conduct thorough network monitoring to detect any suspicious API activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include implementing API rate limiting, enforcing stricter authentication requirements for all API endpoints, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation through API abuse, making it a significant concern for organizations following MITRE ATT&CK methodology for threat modeling. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication flow implementation and the potential consequences of inadequate API security controls in enterprise collaboration platforms.