CVE-2016-7903 in DotClear
Summary
by MITRE
Dotclear before 2.10.3, when the Host header is not part of the web server routing process, allows remote attackers to modify the password reset address link via the HTTP Host header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7903 affects Dotclear content management systems prior to version 2.10.3, representing a critical security flaw that exploits improper handling of HTTP Host headers in the password reset functionality. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the web server does not incorporate the Host header into its routing decisions, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate the password reset email addresses. The flaw resides in the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize the Host header value during the password reset process, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary hostnames into the reset link that is subsequently sent to users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on the HTTP Host header to construct absolute URLs for password reset emails without proper validation mechanisms. When users request password resets, the system generates email links that include the Host header value as part of the redirect URL. Attackers can manipulate this header to point to malicious domains, potentially redirecting users to phishing sites or compromising the password reset process entirely. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability where the application fails to validate user-supplied input that influences the destination of critical operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited without authentication, making it a prime target for credential harvesting attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7903 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables sophisticated social engineering campaigns where attackers can craft convincing password reset emails that appear legitimate to victims. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can be classified under CWE-601 as URL Redirection to Untrusted Site, where the application redirects users to potentially malicious domains through manipulated headers. The attack vector allows for unauthorized account compromise, data theft, and potential lateral movement within compromised systems. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a reliable method for targeting user accounts without requiring prior access credentials, making it particularly attractive for mass account takeover campaigns.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating Dotclear installations to version 2.10.3 or later, where the Host header validation has been properly implemented. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing host header validation at the reverse proxy or load balancer level as a defensive measure, though this approach has limitations in environments where the Host header is legitimately required for routing. Organizations should also review their email content filtering policies to detect suspicious reset link patterns and implement multi-factor authentication for critical accounts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of validating all external inputs, particularly those that influence URL construction and redirection. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment and T1531 - Account Access Removal, as it enables unauthorized access to user accounts and can be used to facilitate further compromise of systems and networks.