CVE-2023-43154 in Macs Framework Content Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2023
In Macrob7 Macs Framework Content Management System (CMS) 1.1.4f, loose comparison in "isValidLogin()" function during login attempt results in PHP type confusion vulnerability that leads to authentication bypass and takeover of the administrator account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43154 resides within the Macrob7 Macs Framework Content Management System version 1.1.4f, specifically within the authentication mechanism of the application. This flaw manifests in the isValidLogin() function where a loose comparison operation is employed during the user authentication process, creating a critical security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to bypass authentication controls entirely.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from PHP's type juggling behavior when using loose comparison operators such as == instead of strict comparison operators like ===. In the context of the isValidLogin() function, when user credentials are submitted during login attempts, the application performs a comparison between the provided username and password with stored values without enforcing strict type checking. This loose comparison allows attackers to manipulate input parameters in such a way that the comparison evaluates to true even when the actual credentials are incorrect, effectively enabling unauthorized access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication bypass to full administrative account takeover, which represents a severe compromise of system integrity and confidentiality. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the CMS, potentially leading to data exfiltration, unauthorized modifications to content, deployment of malicious code, and establishment of persistent access points within the target environment. The implications are particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanism of the CMS, making it a prime target for exploitation in automated attack campaigns.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-707, which addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command" and specifically relates to improper handling of type comparisons in programming languages. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's credential access techniques, particularly focusing on bypassing authentication mechanisms through code-level flaws. The flaw demonstrates a classic example of how seemingly minor implementation details in security-critical functions can lead to catastrophic consequences, as the use of loose comparison operators in authentication contexts creates an exploitable condition that directly undermines the security model of the application.
Organizations utilizing this CMS version should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest available version where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing strict type checking in all authentication functions, and deploying additional security controls such as rate limiting and monitoring for suspicious login patterns. The fix should involve replacing loose comparison operators with strict comparison operators throughout the authentication flow to ensure that type mismatches cannot be exploited for authentication bypass purposes. Additionally, comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code review should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other parts of the application that may be susceptible to the same class of vulnerability.