CVE-2023-3018 in Lost and Found Information System
Summary
by MITRE • 05/31/2023
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System 1.0. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /admin/?page=user/list. The manipulation leads to improper access controls. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-230362 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3018 represents a critical access control flaw within the SourceCodester Lost and Found Information System version 1.0. This system, designed for managing lost and found items, contains a significant security weakness that allows unauthorized users to bypass legitimate access controls. The vulnerability specifically resides in the administrative interface component located at /admin/?page=user/list, which serves as a critical entry point for user management operations. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's authorization mechanisms, potentially granting them administrative privileges or access to restricted user data without proper authentication. Given that this vulnerability supports remote exploitation, it presents an immediate threat to systems running the affected software version, as attackers can leverage this weakness from external networks without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues where applications fail to properly enforce authorization checks. This weakness allows unauthorized users to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute, creating a direct pathway for privilege escalation and data breaches. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it operates over network protocols, making it easily exploitable by threat actors who may be scanning for vulnerable systems. The fact that this vulnerability has been publicly disclosed and is actively being used in the wild significantly amplifies its operational impact, as it removes the element of surprise that typically protects systems from zero-day attacks. Security researchers have documented that the exploit can be leveraged to enumerate user accounts, access sensitive data, and potentially modify system configurations, all while remaining undetected by standard security monitoring mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3018 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent footholds within affected networks. This vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement attacks as threat actors gain access to user accounts and administrative functions, allowing them to escalate privileges and expand their control over the system. The compromised administrative interface provides attackers with access to user management features, potentially enabling them to create new administrative accounts, modify existing user permissions, or delete critical system data. According to ATT&CK framework category T1078, this vulnerability could be exploited to maintain access through legitimate credentials, while T1566 addresses the initial compromise through remote exploitation. Organizations running this version of the lost and found information system face significant risks including data leakage, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations, particularly if the system contains sensitive personal information or organizational data.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to protect against this vulnerability, beginning with patching the affected software to the latest available version that addresses the access control flaw. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate the affected system from critical network zones, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized administrative activities within the system. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the administrative interface through secure authentication mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their network infrastructure that might be running similar software versions. The public disclosure of this exploit makes immediate remediation essential, as threat actors are actively seeking out and exploiting systems that have not yet been patched, making this vulnerability a high-priority concern for cybersecurity teams across all industries.