CVE-2020-19305 in MetInfo
Summary
by MITRE • 08/04/2021
An issue in /app/system/column/admin/index.class.php of Metinfo v7.0.0 causes the indeximg parameter to be deleted when the column is deleted, allowing attackers to escalate privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-19305 resides within the Metinfo content management system version 7.0.0, specifically in the administrative column management functionality. This flaw manifests in the /app/system/column/admin/index.class.php file where the indeximg parameter undergoes unintended deletion during column deletion operations. The issue represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the system's privilege management mechanisms and could enable unauthorized users to gain elevated access rights.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper parameter handling within the column deletion process where the indeximg parameter, which likely contains critical metadata or access control information, gets removed without proper validation or consideration of its security implications. This parameter deletion creates a privilege escalation vector because the indeximg parameter may contain authorization tokens, access levels, or other security-critical data that should persist or be properly migrated during column operations. The vulnerability operates under CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, where insufficient access control checks allow unauthorized privilege elevation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes the Metinfo system to significant security risks including unauthorized administrative access, data manipulation, and potential system compromise. Attackers exploiting this weakness could escalate their privileges from standard user levels to administrative privileges, enabling them to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or even install malicious code. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire content management system, particularly impacting organizations that rely on Metinfo for their web presence and content management operations.
The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as this vulnerability could facilitate broader attacks within the system's administrative interface. Security practitioners should consider this issue in relation to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, where compromised credentials or privilege escalation techniques could be used to gain persistent access to administrative functions. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548 Abuse of Functionality, where legitimate system functions are misused to achieve unauthorized access or privilege elevation.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the Metinfo system to version 7.0.1 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and monitoring of administrative operations to detect unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. Additional defensive measures include regular security audits of system parameters during deletion operations, implementing proper input validation for administrative functions, and establishing network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can detect similar parameter handling flaws in other system components and ensure proper privilege separation between user and administrative functions.