CVE-2024-38465 in Synthesis Image System
Summary
by MITRE • 06/16/2024
Shenzhen Guoxin Synthesis image system before 8.3.0 allows username enumeration because of the response discrepancy of incorrect versus error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38465 affects the Shenzhen Guoxin Synthesis image system version 8.3.0 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through username enumeration capabilities. This flaw stems from the system's inconsistent response handling when processing authentication attempts with invalid usernames versus actual authentication errors. The vulnerability represents a classic example of information disclosure through response differentiation, where attackers can distinguish between non-existent accounts and invalid credentials based on the system's varying responses. Such behavior directly violates fundamental security principles that require consistent error handling to prevent attackers from gathering intelligence about valid user accounts within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the authentication layer where the system fails to maintain uniform response patterns regardless of whether a username exists in the system or not. When an attacker submits a username that does not exist, the system generates a response that differs from when a valid username is provided but incorrect credentials are submitted. This discrepancy creates a distinguishable pattern that enables automated enumeration attacks. The flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper error handling, and specifically relates to the broader category of information disclosure vulnerabilities. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability allows attackers to systematically identify valid usernames through automated tools that can analyze response differences and build comprehensive user account lists.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-38465 extends beyond simple username discovery, as it enables more sophisticated attack vectors including credential stuffing, brute force attempts, and social engineering campaigns. Once attackers have compiled a list of valid usernames, they can leverage this information to conduct targeted attacks against specific accounts, potentially leading to unauthorized access and system compromise. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to map user relationships and organizational structures within the system, as the enumeration process can reveal patterns in user naming conventions and account hierarchies. This type of information gathering aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access and reconnaissance phases, where adversaries seek to identify valid accounts and system weaknesses before attempting more direct exploitation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including standardizing authentication response handling to ensure consistent error messages regardless of account validity, implementing account lockout mechanisms, and deploying rate limiting controls to prevent automated enumeration attempts. The system should be updated to version 8.3.0 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper error handling implementation. Additional protective measures include implementing multi-factor authentication, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious enumeration patterns, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar response discrepancy issues. Security teams should also consider implementing account monitoring protocols that can detect unusual authentication patterns and alert administrators to potential enumeration attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of consistent error handling practices and proper security design principles in preventing information disclosure attacks that can significantly weaken overall system security posture.