CVE-2023-37649 in Cockpit
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2023
Incorrect access control in the component /models/Content of Cockpit CMS v2.5.2 allows unauthorized attackers to access sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37649 represents a critical access control flaw within Cockpit CMS version 2.5.2, specifically affecting the /models/Content component. This issue stems from inadequate authorization checks that permit unauthorized users to bypass normal security boundaries and access protected content resources. The vulnerability exists in the application's permission system where the component fails to properly validate user credentials and roles before granting access to sensitive data stored within the content management framework. Security researchers have identified that this flaw allows attackers to exploit the system's authentication mechanisms and retrieve information that should only be accessible to authorized administrators or content managers. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it fundamentally undermines the CMS's security architecture by creating an unauthorized access pathway that could lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this access control failure manifests in the way the /models/Content component handles user requests and validates access permissions. When an attacker sends a request to access content through this specific component, the system does not properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to access the target data. This weakness creates a direct path for privilege escalation and unauthorized data retrieval, as the component does not enforce proper role-based access controls or session validation mechanisms. The flaw likely resides in the application's middleware or controller logic where access decisions are made, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate request parameters or exploit session management weaknesses to gain access to restricted content. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-285: Improper Authorization, which specifically addresses insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to perform privileged actions or access protected resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-37649 can be severe for organizations relying on Cockpit CMS for content management, particularly those handling sensitive or confidential data. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could access private content, user information, configuration files, or other sensitive data that should remain protected within the CMS environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning for websites or applications that use Cockpit CMS for managing customer data, proprietary content, or internal communications. This vulnerability could enable data exfiltration, content manipulation, or further reconnaissance activities that attackers might use to escalate privileges within the system. The potential for cascading security issues exists as unauthorized access to content management systems often provides attackers with additional attack vectors, including the ability to modify website content, inject malicious code, or gain access to backend databases through the compromised CMS interface.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of Cockpit CMS where this vulnerability has been addressed, applying temporary access controls to restrict access to the vulnerable component, and conducting comprehensive security audits of their CMS configurations. The remediation process should involve verifying that proper authentication and authorization checks are enforced throughout the application's access control mechanisms, particularly within the content management components. Security teams should also review user permissions and roles to ensure that least privilege principles are properly implemented, and that no unnecessary access rights have been granted to users or applications. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules or API gateways can provide additional protection by limiting access to the vulnerable endpoints. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access, potentially enabling adversaries to move laterally within affected systems and establish persistent access through compromised CMS installations. Regular monitoring of system logs and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential security incidents related to this vulnerability.