CVE-2023-32302 in Silverstripe
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2023
Silverstripe Framework is the MVC framework that powers Silverstripe CMS. When a new member record is created and a password is not set, an empty encrypted password is generated. As a result, if someone is aware of the existence of a member record associated with a specific email address, they can potentially attempt to log in using that empty password. Although the default member authenticator and login form require a non-empty password, alternative authentication methods might still permit a successful login with the empty password. This issue has been patched in versions 4.13.4 and 5.0.13.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-32302 affects the Silverstripe Framework, a widely used model-view-controller framework that serves as the foundation for the Silverstripe Content Management System. This security flaw stems from improper handling of member account creation processes where the system generates an empty encrypted password when no password is explicitly provided during member record creation. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it creates a potential backdoor for unauthorized access attempts. The issue occurs specifically when a new member record is created without setting a password, resulting in an empty encrypted password being stored in the system's database. This behavior fundamentally contradicts secure authentication practices where password validation should occur during account creation to prevent accounts with no usable credentials from being established.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the framework's authentication mechanisms failing to properly validate password requirements during member registration processes. According to CWE-257, this represents a weakness in password storage and validation where the system allows creation of accounts with empty or null credentials. The vulnerability operates at the authentication layer where the framework's default member authenticator typically requires non-empty passwords for login attempts, yet alternative authentication methods within the system may not enforce the same restrictions. This inconsistency creates a potential attack surface where malicious actors who know the email addresses of existing member records can attempt to exploit the empty encrypted password field. The issue demonstrates poor input validation and credential management practices that violate fundamental security principles for user authentication systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-32302 extends beyond simple unauthorized access attempts to potentially compromise entire user account systems. Attackers who possess knowledge of specific email addresses within the Silverstripe system can systematically target member records and attempt login operations using the empty password field. This vulnerability particularly affects systems that implement multiple authentication methods or custom login mechanisms that may not properly validate password requirements. The risk increases significantly in environments where user enumeration is possible, as attackers can identify valid member records and then exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access. Organizations using Silverstripe CMS versions prior to 4.13.4 and 5.0.13 face potential data breaches, unauthorized system access, and compromise of user credentials. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for Brute Force and Credential Stuffing, where attackers can leverage the empty password field to perform targeted authentication attempts.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Silverstripe Framework versions 4.13.4 or 5.0.13, which contain the necessary patches to address the empty password generation issue. Organizations should also implement comprehensive account validation processes that enforce password requirements during member creation, ensuring that no member records are created without valid credentials. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of existing member records to identify and remediate any accounts with empty password fields. Additional protective measures include implementing rate limiting for login attempts, strengthening authentication mechanisms, and ensuring that all authentication methods enforce consistent password validation requirements. The fix addresses the root cause by properly validating password inputs during account creation and preventing the generation of empty encrypted passwords. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper credential management and input validation in web application security, demonstrating how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in authentication systems. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect suspicious login patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against vulnerable systems.