CVE-2023-6189 in Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2023
Missing access permissions checks
in the M-Files server before 23.11.13156.0 allow attackers to perform data write and export
jobs using the M-Files API methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6189 represents a critical access control flaw within the M-Files server platform affecting versions prior to 23.11.13156.0. This issue stems from insufficient validation of user permissions during API method execution, creating a pathway for unauthorized individuals to bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability specifically impacts the server's ability to enforce proper access restrictions when processing data write and export operations through the M-Files API interface. The flaw manifests as a missing validation check that should normally verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform these operations, effectively allowing any authenticated user to execute potentially destructive actions regardless of their assigned permissions. This weakness directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control enforcement that are essential for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality in enterprise document management systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to leverage the M-Files API methods to perform unauthorized write operations and export jobs without proper authorization. The missing access permission checks occur at the application logic level where API endpoints fail to validate user credentials against the established permission matrix. This creates a scenario where malicious actors can manipulate API calls to execute data modification or extraction processes that should only be available to users with appropriate administrative or data access rights. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it enables attackers to modify existing records or create new entries in the document management system, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized information disclosure, or complete system compromise. The flaw exists within the server-side processing logic where API requests are handled without proper authorization verification, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core of the platform's data management capabilities.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on M-Files for enterprise document management and collaboration. The ability to perform unauthorized write operations means that attackers could modify critical business documents, alter metadata, or introduce malicious content into the system. Export jobs present additional concerns as they could be used to exfiltrate sensitive data without detection, potentially violating data protection regulations and compliance requirements. The vulnerability affects the overall integrity and availability of the document management system, as unauthorized modifications could disrupt normal business processes or create inconsistencies in the data repository. Organizations using affected versions of M-Files may experience unauthorized data manipulation, potential regulatory violations, and increased risk of data breaches that could result in financial losses and reputational damage. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects core API functionality that is essential for normal system operations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to M-Files server version 23.11.13156.0 or later, which contains the necessary access control fixes. Network segmentation and API monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive API endpoints. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of user permissions and implement principle of least privilege enforcement. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, and could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar permission bypass vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement logging and alerting mechanisms specifically designed to detect unauthorized API access attempts and data modification activities. The fix implemented in the patched version addresses the root cause by restoring proper access permission validation within the API method execution flow, ensuring that all user requests are properly authenticated and authorized before any data operations are permitted.