CVE-2023-42817 in admin-ui-classic-bundle
Summary
by MITRE • 09/25/2023
Pimcore admin-ui-classic-bundle provides a Backend UI for Pimcore. The translation value with text including “%s” (from “%suggest%) is parsed by sprintf() even though it’s supposed to be output literally to the user. The translations may be accessible by a user with comparatively lower overall access (as the translation permission cannot be scoped to certain “modules”) and a skilled attacker might be able to exploit the parsing of the translation string in the dialog box. This issue has been patched in commit `abd77392` which is included in release 1.1.2. Users are advised to update to version 1.1.2 or apply the patch manually.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-42817 affects the Pimcore admin-ui-classic-bundle, a backend user interface component within the Pimcore content management platform. This issue stems from improper handling of translation strings that contain format specifiers such as "%s" which are typically used with sprintf() function for string formatting. The flaw occurs when translation values originating from "%suggest%" are processed through sprintf() parsing mechanism despite being intended for literal display to end users. The vulnerability exists because the translation system does not distinguish between format strings meant for parameter substitution and literal text that should be rendered without modification. This design oversight creates a potential security risk where translation strings can be manipulated to execute unintended formatting operations, potentially leading to information disclosure or other unintended behaviors within the user interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper parsing of translation strings within the Pimcore administration interface. When a translation value contains "%s" format specifiers, the system incorrectly applies sprintf() processing to these strings even when they are meant to be displayed verbatim to users. This occurs because the translation subsystem does not properly sanitize or validate translation strings before passing them to formatting functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because translation strings can be modified by users with relatively low-level access permissions, as translation capabilities cannot be scoped to specific modules or areas of the application. This means that an attacker with limited access rights might be able to craft malicious translation values that, when processed through the sprintf() function, could produce unexpected results or expose system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple formatting issues to potentially enable more serious security consequences within the Pimcore administration environment. Attackers could exploit this flaw to manipulate dialog boxes and user interface elements through carefully crafted translation strings that might reveal sensitive system information, cause unexpected behavior in the user interface, or potentially enable further exploitation techniques. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different permission levels exist, as it allows users with translation access to potentially compromise the integrity of the administrative interface. The issue affects the core functionality of the Pimcore admin-ui-classic-bundle, which serves as the primary backend interface for content management operations, making it a critical component to secure.
The vulnerability has been addressed through a specific code fix included in release version 1.1.2, with the patch identified as commit `abd77392`. This fix implements proper sanitization of translation strings before they are processed by sprintf() functions, ensuring that literal text containing format specifiers is not subject to parameter substitution. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to version 1.1.2 or applying the specific patch manually to systems running affected versions of the Pimcore admin-ui-classic-bundle. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as monitoring translation string modifications and implementing proper access controls for translation capabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which addresses the use of format strings with user-provided data, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, though primarily manifests as an information disclosure vector through improper string handling rather than direct code execution. The fix demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in user-facing components, particularly in multi-tenant environments where different user roles may have varying levels of access to system configuration elements.