CVE-2023-2473 in Dreamer CMS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/02/2023
A vulnerability was found in Dreamer CMS up to 4.1.3. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects the function updatePwd of the file UserController.java of the component Password Hash Calculation. The manipulation leads to inefficient algorithmic complexity. The attack can be initiated remotely. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-227860.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2473 represents a critical security flaw within Dreamer CMS version 4.1.3 and earlier, specifically targeting the password hashing functionality. This issue resides within the UserController.java file where the updatePwd function implements an inefficient algorithmic approach to password hash calculation. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms and improper implementation of cryptographic functions, making it particularly dangerous for authentication systems. The flaw allows attackers to exploit the suboptimal hashing algorithm through remote execution, potentially leading to significant security implications for user credentials and system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the inadequate complexity of the password hashing algorithm used in the updatePwd function, which creates predictable and computationally inefficient hash calculations. This weakness enables attackers to perform brute force attacks or utilize rainbow table techniques more effectively than would normally be possible with standard cryptographic hashing functions. The remote attack vector means that malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly concerning for web applications. The vulnerability's classification as a remote exploit aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities to obtain credentials through cryptographic weaknesses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems utilizing Dreamer CMS. Attackers can leverage the inefficient hashing algorithm to significantly reduce the time required to crack user passwords, potentially compromising user accounts and leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanism, making it a prime target for credential stuffing attacks and other password-based exploitation techniques. Organizations using affected versions of Dreamer CMS face increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access, particularly when user credentials are not properly secured through robust hashing mechanisms.
Security recommendations for addressing this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate remediation through software upgrading to a patched version of Dreamer CMS. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper cryptographic practices including the use of strong hashing algorithms such as bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2, which provide sufficient computational complexity to resist brute force attacks. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including multi-factor authentication, account lockout mechanisms, and regular security audits to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a cryptographic weakness underscores the importance of following industry standards such as NIST SP 800-63B for password hashing requirements and implementing proper key derivation functions to ensure adequate security postures against modern attack vectors.