CVE-2019-19801 in Command Centre Server
Summary
by MITRE
In Gallagher Command Centre Server versions of v8.10 prior to v8.10.1134(MR4), v8.00 prior to v8.00.1161(MR5), v7.90 prior to v7.90.991(MR5), v7.80 prior to v7.80.960(MR2) and v7.70 or earlier, an unprivileged but authenticated user is able to perform a backup of the Command Centre databases.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2020
This vulnerability exists in Gallagher Command Centre Server software across multiple version ranges, specifically affecting versions prior to their respective maintenance releases. The flaw allows an authenticated user with minimal privileges to perform database backup operations, which represents a significant security weakness in the access control implementation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization checks within the backup functionality, enabling users who should not have database access to extract complete database copies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a lack of proper privilege validation within the backup module of the Command Centre Server. When an authenticated user attempts to initiate a database backup operation, the system fails to properly verify whether the user possesses the necessary administrative privileges required for such operations. This oversight creates an access control bypass scenario where users with standard authentication credentials can execute backup functions that should be restricted to privileged administrators. The vulnerability affects multiple major versions including v8.10, v8.00, v7.90, v7.80, and v7.70 or earlier, indicating a widespread implementation flaw across the product lineage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as database backups contain sensitive information including user credentials, access control configurations, system settings, and potentially personal data. An attacker who gains access to these backup files could potentially extract all database contents, leading to complete system compromise. The backup files often contain encrypted passwords, user account information, and system configuration data that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a complete snapshot of the system's database state, enabling them to perform reconnaissance and potentially escalate privileges within the system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately apply the relevant security patches provided by Gallagher for their specific version ranges. The patches typically include enhanced authorization checks and proper privilege validation within the backup functionality. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring to detect unauthorized backup operations and review access controls to ensure users only have necessary privileges. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Bypass and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories, where adversaries attempt to extract data from databases and information repositories. The security controls should be implemented in accordance with NIST SP 800-53 requirements for access control and information system monitoring to prevent unauthorized database access and backup operations.
The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in the principle of least privilege implementation within the Gallagher Command Centre Server. Proper access control mechanisms should have prevented authenticated users from accessing backup functions that require administrative privileges. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their access control implementations and ensure that all system functions properly validate user privileges before executing sensitive operations. The incident highlights the importance of regular security patch management and proper privilege segregation within security-critical applications to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system data.