CVE-2017-15063 in Subrion CMS
Summary
by MITRE
There are CSRF vulnerabilities in Subrion CMS before 4.2.0 because of a logic error. Although there is functionality to detect CSRF, it is called too late in the ia.core.php code, allowing (for example) an attack against the query parameter to panel/database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2017-15063 represents a critical cross-site request forgery weakness in Subrion CMS versions prior to 4.2.0, classified under CWE-352 as a lack of proper cross-site request forgery protection mechanisms. This flaw stems from a fundamental logic error within the application's security implementation where the CSRF detection functionality is invoked at an inappropriate stage in the request processing flow. The ia.core.php file contains the core logic that governs how security measures are applied, and in this case, the CSRF validation occurs too late in the execution sequence, rendering it ineffective against malicious requests that target administrative functions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the timing gap in security validation by crafting malicious requests that leverage the query parameter to panel/database functionality. This specific attack vector demonstrates how the delayed CSRF protection mechanism fails to intercept unauthorized requests before they are processed, enabling attackers to perform actions such as database queries or administrative operations without proper authentication. The vulnerability essentially creates a window of opportunity where requests can be executed with elevated privileges before the system has had a chance to validate their authenticity. This timing issue directly violates security best practices for request validation and represents a classic example of inadequate defense-in-depth principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive database operations and administrative controls within the CMS. An attacker could potentially execute unauthorized database queries, modify system configurations, or perform other malicious activities that compromise the integrity and availability of the affected system. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require elevated privileges or complex attack chains, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal technical expertise. This weakness directly affects the CMS's ability to maintain secure administrative operations and can lead to complete system compromise if not addressed promptly.
Organizations utilizing Subrion CMS versions before 4.2.0 should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version 4.2.0 or later, which addresses the timing issue in the CSRF validation logic. Additionally, implementing additional security measures such as proper request validation at the earliest possible point in the application lifecycle, employing anti-CSRF tokens for all administrative functions, and conducting regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through web application vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for robust input validation and proper access control mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.