CVE-2018-19609 in ShowDoc
Summary
by MITRE
ShowDoc 2.4.1 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by navigating with a modified page_id, as demonstrated by reading note content, or discovering a username in the JSON data at a diff URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
CVE-2018-19609 represents a sensitive data exposure vulnerability affecting ShowDoc version 2.4.1, which falls under the CWE-200 category of Information Exposure. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the application's page_id parameter handling. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the page_id parameter to access unauthorized content, specifically enabling them to read note content and discover usernames within JSON responses from diff URLs. The vulnerability operates through a simple yet effective technique where attackers modify the page_id value in requests to the application's API endpoints, bypassing normal access controls that should restrict content visibility based on user permissions or ownership.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's lack of proper authentication and authorization checks when processing page_id parameters. When a user navigates to a diff URL with a modified page_id, the system fails to validate whether the requesting user has legitimate access rights to view the specified content. This creates a path for information disclosure where attackers can enumerate and access data that should remain private to authorized users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it not only exposes sensitive note content but also reveals usernames within JSON responses, potentially providing attackers with additional information for further attacks or social engineering efforts.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19609 extends beyond simple information disclosure to create potential downstream security risks. The exposure of usernames in JSON responses provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used for credential stuffing attacks or targeted social engineering campaigns. When attackers can access note content, they gain access to potentially sensitive information including personal data, business information, or confidential communications that should only be accessible to authorized personnel. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and can lead to data breaches, privacy violations, and compliance violations depending on the nature of the exposed information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and access control mechanisms. The primary fix involves adding proper authentication checks and authorization validation before processing any page_id parameter requests. Implementing proper session management and ensuring that all API endpoints validate user permissions for the requested resources is essential. Additionally, the application should sanitize all input parameters and implement rate limiting to prevent automated enumeration attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect suspicious access patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries extract data from applications through improper access controls. The fix should be implemented as part of a comprehensive security hardening effort that includes regular security testing, input validation, and access control reviews to prevent similar issues in other application components.