CVE-2025-26366 in Q-Free MaxTime
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2025
A CWE-306 "Missing Authentication for Critical Function" in maxprofile/setup/routes.lua in Q-Free MaxTime less than or equal to version 2.11.0 allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to disable front panel authentication via crafted HTTP requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-26366 represents a critical authentication flaw within the Q-Free MaxTime system, specifically affecting versions 2.11.0 and earlier. This issue manifests as a CWE-306 "Missing Authentication for Critical Function" which fundamentally undermines the security posture of the affected system by allowing unauthorized access to critical administrative functions. The vulnerability exists within the maxprofile/setup/routes.lua component of the software, making it a targeted attack vector that directly impacts the system's ability to enforce proper access controls. The affected system is designed to manage time tracking and workforce management, making it a potentially attractive target for adversaries seeking to disrupt operations or gain unauthorized access to sensitive personnel data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted HTTP requests that specifically target the front panel authentication mechanism. An unauthenticated remote attacker can leverage this flaw to disable critical authentication functions, effectively bypassing the system's built-in security controls. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 - Valid Accounts, where attackers exploit legitimate access mechanisms to gain unauthorized control. The flaw essentially removes the requirement for proper authentication when executing critical functions, allowing any remote user to manipulate system settings that should require administrative privileges. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it affects the front panel authentication, which typically serves as the primary interface for system access and configuration management.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of the Q-Free MaxTime system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can disable authentication mechanisms, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data manipulation. This flaw particularly affects organizations that rely on the system for workforce management and time tracking, where unauthorized access could result in payroll manipulation, unauthorized access to employee records, or disruption of business operations. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals who can exploit the vulnerability from anywhere on the internet. Organizations using affected versions of Q-Free MaxTime face significant risk of operational disruption and potential regulatory violations if sensitive employee data becomes compromised.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of vendor patches or updates to versions greater than 2.11.0 where the authentication flaw has been addressed. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the vulnerable components. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting HTTP access to the maxprofile/setup/routes.lua endpoint and implementing proper access controls. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of HTTP requests targeting authentication-related endpoints, which could indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other components that might be affected by similar authentication flaws. According to ATT&CK framework guidance, organizations should implement proper authentication controls and regularly audit access logs to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as implementing multi-factor authentication and maintaining up-to-date security configurations. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar authentication gaps in other system components.