CVE-2017-11717 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE
MetInfo through 5.3.17 accepts the same CAPTCHA response for 120 seconds, which makes it easier for remote attackers to bypass intended challenge requirements by modifying the client-server data stream, as demonstrated by the login/findpass page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11717 affects MetInfo versions 5.3.17 and earlier, presenting a significant security weakness in the application's authentication mechanism. This flaw resides in the CAPTCHA validation system where the same CAPTCHA response remains valid for an extended period of 120 seconds. The vulnerability stems from improper session management and time-based validation controls that fail to enforce strict temporal constraints on authentication challenges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the extended validity period of CAPTCHA responses through manipulation of the client-server communication stream. During the 120-second window, an attacker can capture a valid CAPTCHA response and reuse it multiple times across different authentication attempts without requiring additional CAPTCHA generation. This weakness directly violates security principles governing challenge-response authentication systems and creates a window of opportunity for automated attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it significantly weakens the security posture of MetInfo applications by undermining the core purpose of CAPTCHA mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass intended security controls during login and password recovery processes, potentially enabling account takeover attacks, brute force attempts, and automated credential stuffing operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the login and findpass pages, making it particularly dangerous for user authentication and account recovery workflows.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-340, which addresses the weakness of predictable random number generation and improper validation of time-based security controls. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers credential stuffing attacks, as the extended CAPTCHA validity period facilitates automated credential testing. The vulnerability demonstrates poor implementation of security controls that should enforce strict time constraints on authentication challenges, making it easier for attackers to conduct repeated authentication attempts without proper CAPTCHA validation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict time-based validation for CAPTCHA responses with minimal validity periods, typically ranging from 30 to 60 seconds. Organizations should also implement rate limiting mechanisms to prevent excessive authentication attempts and ensure proper session management controls. The fix requires modifications to the CAPTCHA generation and validation logic to enforce immediate invalidation upon first use and implement robust time-based expiration mechanisms. Additionally, monitoring and logging of authentication attempts should be enhanced to detect potential abuse of this vulnerability.