CVE-2018-8715 in HTTP Library
Summary
by MITRE
The Embedthis HTTP library, and Appweb versions before 7.0.3, have a logic flaw related to the authCondition function in http/httpLib.c. With a forged HTTP request, it is possible to bypass authentication for the form and digest login types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8715 resides within the Embedthis HTTP library and Appweb software products, specifically affecting versions prior to 7.0.3. This issue manifests as a logic flaw in the authCondition function located within the http/httpLib.c source file, representing a critical weakness in the authentication mechanism that governs both form-based and digest authentication protocols. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of authentication conditions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security controls through carefully crafted HTTP requests that manipulate the expected authentication flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms by constructing forged HTTP requests that exploit the logic error in how the authCondition function evaluates authentication states. This vulnerability specifically impacts form-based authentication where user credentials are submitted through web forms and digest authentication which relies on challenge-response mechanisms to verify user identities. The attack vector involves manipulating HTTP request parameters in such a way that the authentication function fails to properly validate the user's credentials or session state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables unauthorized access to protected resources without proper authentication. An attacker could potentially gain access to restricted areas of web applications, administrative interfaces, or sensitive data repositories that should only be accessible to authenticated users. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications built using the Embedthis Appweb platform or those utilizing the Embedthis HTTP library, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these technologies for their web infrastructure. The bypass capability extends beyond simple credential guessing or brute force attacks, representing a fundamental flaw in the authentication architecture that could allow complete system compromise if exploited properly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8715 primarily involve upgrading to Embedthis Appweb version 7.0.3 or later, which contains the patched authCondition function that properly validates authentication conditions. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious HTTP request patterns, network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, and enhanced monitoring of authentication attempts. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated software to ensure that legitimate authentication flows remain functional while the vulnerability is eliminated. Security teams should also review their existing authentication mechanisms and consider implementing multi-factor authentication as an additional layer of protection against similar logic flaws that might exist in other components of their web infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through authentication bypass methods, emphasizing the importance of proper authentication validation in preventing unauthorized system access.