CVE-2023-5296 in RockOA
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
A vulnerability was found in Xinhu RockOA 1.1/2.3.2/15.X3amdi and classified as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the file api.php?m=reimplat&a=index of the component Password Handler. The manipulation leads to weak password recovery. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-240926 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5296 affects Xinhu RockOA versions 1.1, 2.3.2, and 15.X3amdi, specifically targeting the password recovery functionality within the api.php file. This issue represents a significant security weakness that compromises the integrity of user authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability exists within the Password Handler component and manifests through the index action of the reimplat module, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to user accounts. The flaw allows attackers to exploit weak password recovery processes, potentially leading to account takeovers and unauthorized system access.
This vulnerability falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and can be classified as a CWE-521 Weak Password Recovery Process according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack vector is remotely exploitable, meaning that malicious actors can initiate the attack without requiring physical access to the system or direct network presence. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates that it presents a substantial risk to system security and user data protection. The disclosure of the exploit to the public community means that threat actors can readily implement this attack without requiring advanced technical skills or specialized knowledge.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to sensitive organizational data and systems. The weak password recovery mechanism creates a potential attack surface where credentials can be compromised through various methods including brute force attempts, social engineering, or automated exploitation. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the organization's overall security posture. The affected api.php file serves as a critical entry point for authentication processes, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise user accounts and potentially escalate privileges within the system.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including strengthening password recovery mechanisms, implementing rate limiting on authentication attempts, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of all authentication components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust password recovery protocols and proper session management. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication as a compensating control to reduce the impact of compromised credentials. The disclosure of this exploit highlights the need for continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities to address publicly known vulnerabilities. Regular security updates and patches should be prioritized, with particular attention to authentication and session management components. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of authentication-related traffic can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly within authentication modules where weak security controls can lead to complete system compromise. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under credential access and privilege escalation tactics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls across all system components.