CVE-2023-38477 in QR Code MeCard vCard Generator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Stanislav Kuznetsov QR code MeCard/vCard generator allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects QR code MeCard/vCard generator: from n/a through 1.6.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2024
The CVE-2023-38477 vulnerability represents a critical authorization flaw in the QR code MeCard/vCard generator developed by Stanislav Kuznetsov. This security weakness manifests as an improperly configured access control mechanism that allows unauthorized users to exploit the application's security boundaries. The vulnerability exists within a specific software component designed to generate QR codes containing contact information in MeCard or vCard formats, which are commonly used for transferring contact data between devices and applications. The affected versions range from the initial release through 1.6.0, indicating this authorization issue has persisted across multiple iterations of the software.
This missing authorization vulnerability falls under the CWE-863 category of Incorrect Authorization, where the application fails to properly verify that an authenticated user has the necessary permissions to access specific resources or perform certain operations. The flaw operates at the application level where the security controls are not properly enforced, allowing attackers to bypass intended access restrictions. The MeCard/vCard generator typically handles sensitive contact information including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a data protection perspective. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it could enable attackers to manipulate the generation process itself, potentially creating malicious QR codes or accessing unauthorized system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations and individuals who rely on the QR code generator for contact data management. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to the application's functionality, potentially allowing them to generate QR codes with modified or malicious content. This could lead to social engineering attacks, data manipulation, or even privilege escalation within the application's environment. The vulnerability's presence in versions through 1.6.0 suggests that users who have not updated their installations remain exposed to this risk. The attack surface is particularly concerning because QR code generators are often used in business environments where contact information is frequently exchanged, making this a potential vector for corporate data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive contact databases.
From a defensive perspective, organizations should immediately update to versions beyond 1.6.0 where the authorization controls have been properly implemented. System administrators should review the application's access control configuration and ensure that proper authentication mechanisms are in place before any user interaction with the QR code generation functionality. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves social engineering through phishing or malicious QR codes, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users regularly scan QR codes for contact information. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in QR code generation requests, and access logs should be reviewed for any unauthorized attempts to utilize the application's functionality. Additionally, security awareness training should include education about the potential risks of scanning QR codes from untrusted sources, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to create malicious QR codes that appear legitimate.