CVE-2017-17777 in Paid To Read Script
Summary
by MITRE
Paid To Read Script 2.0.5 has authentication bypass in the admin panel via a direct request, as demonstrated by the admin/viewvisitcamp.php fn parameter and the admin/userview.php uid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17777 affects the Paid To Read Script version 2.0.5, specifically targeting the administrative panel's authentication mechanisms. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the application's access control system by allowing unauthorized users to bypass the standard authentication process through direct API requests. The vulnerability manifests in two primary attack vectors within the admin panel, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on this content management system for their website monetization operations.
The technical implementation of this authentication bypass occurs through manipulation of specific parameters within the administrative interface. Attackers can exploit the admin/viewvisitcamp.php endpoint by manipulating the fn parameter, while the admin/userview.php endpoint can be compromised through manipulation of the uid parameter. These parameters likely control access to sensitive administrative functions without proper verification of user credentials or session tokens. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient authorization checks within the application's codebase, allowing malicious actors to directly access administrative features typically restricted to authorized personnel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to compromise entire website operations and user data. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain access to user accounts, modify content, manipulate advertising campaigns, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The implications are particularly severe for websites using the Paid To Read Script for monetization purposes, as attackers could manipulate revenue-generating features, alter user access permissions, or exfiltrate sensitive user information. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected web application.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw represents a classic case of weak access control implementation where the application fails to properly validate user identities before granting administrative privileges. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing robust authentication mechanisms and proper input sanitization throughout web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access techniques, as attackers can leverage these flaws to obtain elevated system access without proper authorization. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through proper authentication implementation, parameter validation, and access control enforcement to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.
The remediation strategy should focus on implementing proper session management, enforcing strict authentication checks for all administrative endpoints, and validating all input parameters against known good values. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls, regular security audits, and input validation mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code releases. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of thorough security testing during development cycles and proper security controls implementation to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions.