CVE-2017-15055 in TeamPass
Summary
by MITRE
TeamPass before 2.1.27.9 does not properly enforce item access control when requesting items.queries.php. It is then possible to copy any arbitrary item into a directory controlled by the attacker, edit any item within a read-only directory, delete an arbitrary item, delete the file attachments of an arbitrary item, copy the password of an arbitrary item to the copy/paste buffer, access the history of an arbitrary item, and edit attributes of an arbitrary directory. To exploit the vulnerability, an authenticated attacker must tamper with the requests sent directly, for example by changing the "item_id" parameter when invoking "copy_item" on items.queries.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
TeamPass version 2.1.27.9 and earlier contains a critical access control vulnerability that fundamentally undermines the application's security model. This vulnerability exists in the items.queries.php component where the application fails to properly validate user permissions when processing requests. The flaw allows authenticated attackers to bypass normal access controls and perform unauthorized operations on arbitrary items within the password management system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper authorization checks, creating a path for privilege escalation and data manipulation. According to CWE-285, this represents an improper authorization issue where the application does not adequately verify that users have the necessary permissions to perform specific operations. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of TeamPass by allowing attackers to manipulate items regardless of their assigned directory permissions or access levels. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating the item_id parameter in requests sent to the items.queries.php endpoint, effectively circumventing the directory-based access control mechanisms that should protect sensitive password entries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, affecting multiple critical functions within the password management system. An attacker can copy any arbitrary item into a directory they control, effectively bypassing directory-level security controls and potentially gaining access to sensitive credentials that should be restricted. The ability to edit items within read-only directories completely undermines the security posture, as it allows attackers to modify protected information even when access controls indicate otherwise. Additionally, attackers can delete arbitrary items, potentially causing data loss or disruption to legitimate users who rely on the password management system. The vulnerability also enables attackers to delete file attachments associated with items, removing important supporting documentation or binary files that may contain critical information. Furthermore, the capability to copy passwords to the clipboard allows for easy exfiltration of sensitive credentials, while accessing item history provides attackers with information about changes and access patterns. The ability to edit directory attributes means attackers can modify access controls and permissions for entire directories, potentially creating backdoors or weakening security across multiple items. This vulnerability essentially allows attackers to perform operations that should be restricted to administrators or users with specific permissions, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on TeamPass for credential management.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows a predictable pattern that aligns with common web application attack vectors. Attackers must first authenticate to the system, which is typically a low barrier since TeamPass is designed for user access. Once authenticated, they can intercept and modify requests sent to items.queries.php, specifically targeting the copy_item functionality and changing the item_id parameter. This technique follows the principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and command and control categories, where attackers manipulate application logic to gain unauthorized access. The attack requires minimal technical sophistication but significant understanding of the application's architecture and request handling. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond immediate data compromise, as it can be used to establish persistent access patterns or create false audit trails through history manipulation. Organizations using TeamPass versions prior to 2.1.27.9 face significant risk of credential theft, data manipulation, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in a password management system is particularly concerning as it directly undermines the trust model that security-conscious organizations rely upon for protecting sensitive authentication information. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, this type of access control failure should be addressed immediately through patching and proper input validation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper authorization checks at all levels of application logic, particularly in systems handling sensitive authentication data. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual request patterns and parameter manipulation attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to TeamPass version 2.1.27.9 or later, which contains the necessary security patches. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and parameter sanitization across all application endpoints, particularly those handling item and directory operations. Network monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous request patterns and unauthorized parameter modifications. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure proper segregation of duties, especially for users with elevated privileges. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar authorization flaws in other application components. Additionally, organizations should implement proper logging and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts and data manipulation activities. The vulnerability highlights the need for defense-in-depth strategies where multiple security controls work together to protect critical systems. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and authorization implementation is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle credential compromise scenarios, as this vulnerability could lead to widespread credential theft across multiple systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing proper access control mechanisms in all security-critical applications.