CVE-2021-39189 in Pimcore
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2021
Pimcore is an open source data & experience management platform. In versions prior to 10.1.3, it is possible to enumerate usernames via the forgot password functionality. This issue is fixed in version 10.1.3. As a workaround, one may apply the available patch manually.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-39189 affects Pimcore, a widely-used open source data and experience management platform that serves as a content management system and digital asset management solution for enterprises. This security flaw resides within the platform's password recovery mechanism, specifically the forgot password functionality that allows users to request password reset links. The vulnerability represents a significant information disclosure issue that can be exploited by malicious actors to gather intelligence about valid user accounts within the system. Organizations utilizing Pimcore versions prior to 10.1.3 face potential risks from credential stuffing attacks, account takeover attempts, and targeted social engineering campaigns that could leverage the enumerated username information.
The technical flaw manifests through the improper handling of password reset requests where the system reveals whether a username exists in the system or not. When an attacker submits a username through the forgot password interface, the application provides different responses based on whether the account exists, effectively enabling account enumeration. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of defensive design and fails to implement consistent error responses regardless of account existence. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which covers "Information Exposure," and specifically relates to improper information disclosure through user enumeration mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and response handling practices that expose system internals to potential attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a foundation for more sophisticated attacks against the Pimcore platform and its user base. Attackers can systematically test usernames against the forgot password functionality to build comprehensive lists of valid accounts, which can then be used for brute force attacks, credential stuffing operations, or targeted phishing campaigns. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Pimcore for customer-facing applications, digital marketing platforms, or enterprise content management systems where user enumeration can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and business-critical applications. The risk is amplified in environments where Pimcore serves as a central authentication hub or integrates with other systems that share user credentials.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Pimcore version 10.1.3 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the fix implements proper response handling that provides consistent feedback regardless of account existence. The patch ensures that all password reset requests receive identical responses, preventing attackers from distinguishing between valid and invalid usernames through the interface. Security teams should also consider implementing additional controls such as rate limiting on password reset requests, account lockout mechanisms after failed attempts, and monitoring for unusual patterns of reset requests. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1078.004 "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" and T1566.001 "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" as it enables attackers to gather valid account information for credential-based attacks. Organizations may also need to conduct security awareness training for users to recognize potential social engineering attempts that could exploit the leaked account information. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing consistent error handling and proper access control mechanisms in web applications.