CVE-2017-20078 in Hindu Matrimonial Script
Summary
by MITRE • 06/21/2022
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Hindu Matrimonial Script. Affected is an unknown function of the file /admin/featured.php. The manipulation leads to improper privilege management. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-20078 represents a critical privilege management flaw within the Hindu Matrimonial Script application, specifically affecting the administrative functionality located in the /admin/featured.php file. This classification places the vulnerability within the highest severity tier, indicating significant potential for exploitation and damage to affected systems. The flaw stems from inadequate access control mechanisms that fail to properly validate user permissions, creating a pathway for unauthorized individuals to escalate their privileges and gain administrative access to the application's backend management interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the category of improper privilege management, which corresponds to CWE-284 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This weakness occurs when an application fails to properly enforce access controls, allowing users to perform actions they should not be authorized to execute. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely, eliminating the need for physical access or local network presence. Attackers can leverage this flaw through network-based means to bypass authentication mechanisms and assume administrative roles within the matrimonial script platform, potentially gaining control over user data, content management, and system configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious actors with minimal technical expertise. Once an attacker successfully exploits this privilege escalation flaw, they can manipulate featured content, modify user accounts, access sensitive personal information, and potentially inject malicious code into the application. The public disclosure of the exploit further amplifies the risk, as it provides threat actors with ready-made tools and techniques to compromise affected systems. This vulnerability directly maps to several tactics within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, enabling attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised environments.
Organizations utilizing the Hindu Matrimonial Script must implement immediate remediation measures to address this vulnerability, including applying the latest security patches provided by the vendor, implementing proper access control validation, and conducting thorough security assessments of their administrative interfaces. Additional mitigations should encompass network segmentation to isolate administrative functions, implementing robust authentication mechanisms, and establishing continuous monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability's remote exploitability necessitates urgent attention, as it represents a significant risk to user privacy and data integrity within matrimonial platforms that typically handle sensitive personal information and private communications between users.