CVE-2020-18078 in SEMCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 12/17/2021
A vulnerability in /include/web_check.php of SEMCMS v3.8 allows attackers to reset the Administrator account's password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-18078 resides within the SEMCMS v3.8 content management system, specifically in the /include/web_check.php file. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the system's authentication mechanisms and user account management capabilities. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the password reset functionality, creating a pathway for unauthorized individuals to compromise administrative accounts without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the web_check.php script that processes password reset requests. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the parameters sent to the script, potentially bypassing the normal authentication flow required to reset administrator credentials. This vulnerability operates under CWE-306, which classifies improper access control as a fundamental security flaw that allows unauthorized access to protected resources. The flaw essentially removes the necessary verification steps that should occur during password reset operations, enabling attackers to directly modify or reset administrator accounts through crafted requests.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations using SEMCMS v3.8. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains full administrative control over the content management system, which typically translates to complete access to all website content, user data, and system configurations. This level of access enables malicious actors to modify website content, inject malware, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that can remain undetected for extended periods, as it operates through legitimate system functions rather than obvious malicious activity patterns.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering attacks including credential harvesting, and T1078, which involves valid accounts for lateral movement. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the core administrative functions of the CMS, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to web applications. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient authorization checks, where the system fails to verify that the requesting user has legitimate rights to perform password reset operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the SEMCMS v3.8 system to the latest version that addresses this specific flaw. Organizations should implement additional access controls and monitoring around password reset functionality to detect anomalous usage patterns. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to administrative functions from unauthorized networks. Regular security audits of web applications should include verification of authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software inventory and implementing automated patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and establishing incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle credential compromise scenarios.