CVE-2017-15201 in Kanboard
Summary
by MITRE
In Kanboard before 1.0.47, by altering form data, an authenticated user can edit tags of a private project of another user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15201 represents a critical access control flaw in Kanboard version 1.0.46 and earlier, where authenticated users can manipulate form data to gain unauthorized access to private project resources. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and authorization checks within the application's project tag management functionality, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model and escalate their privileges through simple data manipulation techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user crafts or modifies HTTP request parameters to target private project tags belonging to other users. The application fails to properly verify whether the requesting user has legitimate authorization to modify the target project's tags, relying instead on client-side data validation that can be easily bypassed. This weakness falls under the CWE-639 category of Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key, where the application's security controls are circumvented through manipulation of user-controllable input elements. The flaw exists in the server-side processing logic that handles project tag modification requests without adequate user permission validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data tampering, as it fundamentally undermines the confidentiality and integrity of private project information within the Kanboard platform. An authenticated attacker can potentially access sensitive project data, modify tag assignments that may contain classified information, or disrupt project organization by altering metadata associated with private projects. This vulnerability particularly affects collaborative environments where users share private projects, as it enables unauthorized access to information that should remain restricted to specific project members. The security implications align with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which describes Valid Accounts usage for unauthorized access, as the attacker leverages legitimate authentication to exploit authorization gaps.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15201 require immediate implementation of proper access control measures including robust input validation, user permission verification, and session management controls. Organizations should upgrade to Kanboard version 1.0.47 or later, which includes fixes for this vulnerability through enhanced authorization checks. Additionally, administrators should implement network segmentation, monitor for unusual tag modification patterns, and conduct regular security audits of user access controls. The fix typically involves strengthening the backend validation logic to ensure that all project tag modification requests are properly authenticated and authorized before processing, preventing unauthorized users from manipulating private project resources through form data manipulation.