CVE-2023-51478 in Build App Online Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/25/2024
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Abdul Hakeem Build App Online allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects Build App Online: from n/a through 1.0.19.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2024
The CVE-2023-51478 vulnerability represents a critical improper authentication flaw within the Abdul Hakeem Build App Online application, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 1.0.19. This vulnerability resides in the application's authentication mechanism, where insufficient validation of user credentials and session management creates exploitable weaknesses that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The flaw fundamentally undermines the application's ability to properly verify user identities and maintain secure access controls, creating a pathway for unauthorized individuals to bypass normal authentication procedures and gain elevated privileges within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication checks that fail to properly validate user credentials or maintain secure session states. Attackers can exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges from standard user access to administrative or elevated permissions within the application. The vulnerability likely manifests through insufficient input validation, weak session management, or improper access control enforcement mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to manipulate authentication flows. This flaw aligns with CWE-287 which specifically addresses improper authentication issues, where authentication mechanisms are insufficient to properly identify users or prevent unauthorized access to resources. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe as it enables privilege escalation, allowing attackers to gain higher-level access rights than initially granted to their accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for organizations relying on the Build App Online platform. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, unauthorized modifications to application functionality, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited repeatedly, as the underlying authentication flaw remains unaddressed. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, data breaches, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited in production environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the application, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the authentication implementation rather than a temporary bug.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-51478 should prioritize immediate patching and remediation efforts, as the vulnerability affects versions through 1.0.19. Organizations must implement robust authentication controls including multi-factor authentication, secure session management, and proper input validation mechanisms. The fix should address the underlying authentication implementation by ensuring proper credential verification, enforcing strict access controls, and implementing secure session handling practices. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred prior to patching. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper authentication frameworks and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and legitimate credentials for maintaining access to systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts, and establishing incident response procedures specifically addressing privilege escalation attacks. Regular security testing and code reviews focusing on authentication mechanisms are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases of the application.