CVE-2018-15693 in Partner
Summary
by MITRE
Inova Partner 5.0.5-RELEASE, Build 0510-0906 and earlier allows authenticated users authorization bypass via insecure direct object reference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-15693 affects Inova Partner version 5.0.5-RELEASE and earlier builds, specifically exposing a critical authorization bypass flaw through insecure direct object reference techniques. This vulnerability resides within the application's access control mechanisms, where authenticated users can manipulate object references to gain unauthorized access to resources they should not be permitted to view or modify. The insecure direct object reference vulnerability represents a well-documented weakness that allows attackers to directly access objects by manipulating parameters such as database keys, file paths, or other identifiers used internally by the application.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate user authorization before processing object references. When users authenticate to the system, they receive session tokens or credentials that should restrict their access to specific resources. However, the Inova Partner application does not adequately verify these authorization contexts when processing direct object references, enabling malicious users to construct requests that bypass normal access controls. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which specifically addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive information, modify data, or potentially execute unauthorized operations within the application's scope. An authenticated user could leverage this flaw to access other users' data, manipulate system configurations, or perform actions that should be restricted to administrators or specific user roles. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system's data assets, creating potential for significant business disruption and regulatory compliance violations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including proper input validation of all object references, implementation of proper access control checks before processing any direct object references, and enforcement of the principle of least privilege. The system should validate that users have appropriate authorization levels before allowing access to requested objects, and should employ indirect object references or access control lists to prevent direct manipulation of object identifiers. Additionally, regular security testing including penetration testing and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities. The fix should involve comprehensive authorization checks at every point where object references are processed, ensuring that each access request is validated against the user's actual permissions and role-based access controls.