CVE-2018-9934 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE
The reset-password feature in MetInfo 6.0 allows remote attackers to change arbitrary passwords via vectors involving a Host HTTP header that is modified to specify a web server under the attacker's control.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9934 resides within the reset-password functionality of MetInfo 6.0, a content management system that serves as a platform for website development and administration. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate user authentication credentials without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically exploits the application's handling of the Host HTTP header during password reset operations, creating an avenue for attackers to redirect password reset requests to servers they control.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability involves the improper validation of the Host HTTP header within the password reset workflow. When users initiate password reset requests, the application relies on the Host header to determine the target server for sending reset instructions. Attackers can manipulate this header to point to a malicious server they control, effectively intercepting password reset tokens and potentially gaining unauthorized access to user accounts. This manipulation exploits a fundamental flaw in input validation and server configuration handling, allowing attackers to bypass normal authentication checks and redirect sensitive communication channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it enables attackers to systematically target user accounts within the MetInfo 6.0 environment. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this weakness from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target network or system. This vulnerability directly violates security principles related to authentication and authorization, creating a pathway for account takeover attacks that can lead to complete system compromise. The consequences include unauthorized data access, potential data exfiltration, and the ability to perform administrative actions through compromised user accounts.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a specific case of insecure authentication mechanisms that fall under the ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access. Organizations using MetInfo 6.0 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation for HTTP headers, enforcement of strict server configuration policies, and implementation of secure password reset mechanisms that do not rely on potentially manipulable HTTP headers. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for unusual Host header usage patterns should be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all inputs and implementing robust server-side controls to prevent manipulation of critical communication pathways in web applications.