CVE-2020-9013 in Skillpipe
Summary
by MITRE
Arvato Skillpipe 3.0 allows attackers to bypass intended print restrictions by deleting <div id="watermark"> from the HTML source code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2024
CVE-2020-9013 represents a critical access control vulnerability in Arvato Skillpipe version 3.0 that undermines the system's document protection mechanisms through a simple yet effective bypass technique. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and weak access control flaws, which are commonly classified as CWE-285 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The issue manifests when the application fails to properly enforce print restrictions on documents, allowing attackers to circumvent these protections by directly manipulating the HTML source code. The watermark element serves as a critical control mechanism designed to prevent unauthorized printing or copying of sensitive documents, yet the vulnerability enables malicious actors to remove this protective element through straightforward source code modification.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the client-side nature of the watermark implementation, where the protection mechanism relies on HTML elements rather than robust server-side controls. Attackers can access the HTML source code of rendered documents and simply delete the <div id="watermark"> element, effectively removing all print restrictions that were intended to be enforced. This approach demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture where client-side controls are trusted to enforce security policies that should be validated server-side. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and inadequate security controls, as the system does not properly validate or sanitize the document content before allowing user interaction. This weakness is particularly concerning as it enables unauthorized access to restricted content through simple manipulation of the user interface layer.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-9013 extends beyond simple document access, potentially exposing sensitive corporate or personal information that was intended to remain protected. This vulnerability can be exploited by both internal and external attackers who gain access to the application, making it particularly dangerous in environments where sensitive data processing is conducted. The ease of exploitation means that even less sophisticated attackers can bypass print restrictions, undermining the security posture of organizations that rely on Arvato Skillpipe for document management. The vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1074.001, which involves data staging through the use of compromised systems, and T1566.001, which covers spearphishing with social engineering, as attackers can use this weakness to gain access to restricted documents through various attack vectors. Organizations using this software face potential regulatory compliance violations and data exposure incidents that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9013 should focus on implementing robust server-side validation and enforcement of print restrictions, moving away from client-side controls that can be easily manipulated. Organizations should ensure that all document access controls are validated on the server-side and that print restrictions are implemented through secure, non-modifiable mechanisms. The recommended approach includes implementing proper access control checks at multiple levels, including server-side validation of document permissions and enforcement of print restrictions through secure document rendering mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content protection technologies that prevent unauthorized modification of document elements and establish proper input sanitization processes. The solution should also include regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application architecture. Security controls should be designed to prevent direct manipulation of document elements and ensure that all user actions are properly authenticated and authorized. Organizations should also consider implementing digital rights management solutions that provide more robust protection mechanisms than simple HTML-based watermarking. The vulnerability highlights the importance of defense-in-depth strategies and proper security architecture design that does not rely solely on client-side controls for enforcing critical security policies.