CVE-2019-12426 in OFBiz
Summary
by MITRE
an unauthenticated user could get access to information of some backend screens by invoking setSessionLocale in Apache OFBiz 16.11.01 to 16.11.06
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-12426 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Apache OFBiz versions 16.11.01 through 16.11.06. This issue stems from an insufficient access control mechanism that allows unauthenticated users to exploit a backend function known as setSessionLocale. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's session management and localization handling components, creating an unintended pathway for unauthorized information retrieval.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation of user authentication status within the setSessionLocale method. When an unauthenticated user invokes this function, the system fails to properly verify whether the requester possesses valid credentials before proceeding with the operation. This flaw enables attackers to access sensitive backend screens and their associated data without requiring legitimate authentication. The vulnerability manifests through the manipulation of session locale parameters, which are typically used for internationalization purposes but become exploitable due to inadequate access controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing affected Apache OFBiz versions. The information disclosure could potentially expose sensitive business data, user credentials, system configurations, and other confidential information stored within backend screens. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into system architecture, business processes, and potentially identify additional attack vectors. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it may facilitate further exploitation attempts, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically targeting insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to access restricted resources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this weakness maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing techniques, as it enables unauthorized access to system resources that would normally require legitimate authentication. The flaw represents a classic case of privilege escalation through improper access control, where the system fails to enforce mandatory access controls on critical backend functions.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache OFBiz version 16.11.07 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual session locale parameter usage can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and strengthen access control policies, ensuring that all backend functions properly validate authentication status before executing sensitive operations. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses within the application infrastructure.