CVE-2024-27632 in Savane
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2024
An issue in GNU Savane v.3.12 and before allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the form_id in the form_header() function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-27632 resides within GNU Savane version 3.12 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers. This issue specifically targets the form_header() function where improper validation of the form_id parameter creates a pathway for malicious actors to elevate their access rights within the system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation mechanisms that fail to properly restrict or authenticate form identifiers, allowing unauthorized users to manipulate the application's authentication flow. The affected software is a collaborative platform designed for project management and development coordination, making this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could enable attackers to gain administrative privileges and compromise the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of form_id parameters within the form_header() function, which serves as a critical component in the application's form handling mechanism. When the application processes user input through this function without proper validation, it creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious identifiers that bypass normal authentication checks. This flaw operates under the principle of insufficient input validation, which is classified as CWE-20 by the CWE database, and represents a common pattern in web application security vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges initially, as attackers can leverage the form_id manipulation to gradually escalate their access level through the application's authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to modify critical system configurations, access sensitive data, and manipulate project information within the GNU Savane environment. Remote exploitation means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network connectivity, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that expose their Savane installations to public networks. The consequences could include complete system compromise, data breaches, and unauthorized modification of project repositories or user permissions. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and availability of the collaborative platform, potentially affecting multiple users and projects managed through the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27632 should prioritize immediate patching of the GNU Savane application to version 3.13 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and form_id parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, authentication token verification, and regular security audits of form handling mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1548 which addresses privilege escalation techniques. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous form processing patterns and unauthorized privilege attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests targeting the vulnerable form_header() function, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other components of the system.