CVE-2026-111679 in Ekko Studio
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2026
Ekko Studio through 0.7.36 contains a missing authorization vulnerability that allows any authenticated non-super_admin user to list and clear server-wide login lockouts via /api/auth/locked-ips. Attackers can send DELETE requests without an ip parameter to invoke unlockAll(), disabling the login rate limiter during password guessing against super_admin accounts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2026
The vulnerability identified in Ekko Studio versions up to 0.7.36 represents a critical failure in access control mechanisms, specifically categorized under CWE-284 Improper Access Control. This flaw resides within the authentication subsystem and affects the endpoint responsible for managing IP-based login lockouts at /api/auth/locked-ips. The core issue is that the application fails to enforce sufficient authorization checks on administrative functions, allowing authenticated users who do not possess super_admin privileges to execute actions intended exclusively for system administrators. By exploiting this missing authorization check, an attacker can interact with endpoints designed to manage security controls, thereby undermining the integrity of the authentication infrastructure.
The technical mechanism of exploitation involves sending HTTP DELETE requests to the locked-ips endpoint without providing a specific IP address parameter in the request body or query string. In normal operation, such operations should require explicit identification of which lockout entries are being modified and must be restricted to high-privilege accounts. However, due to the vulnerability, omitting the ip parameter triggers an unlockAll() function within the backend logic. This action effectively clears all server-wide login lockouts simultaneously. The absence of a required parameter does not result in an error or rejection as expected; instead, it is interpreted by the flawed authorization layer as a valid command for bulk unlocking, demonstrating a significant gap in input validation and role-based access control implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe because it directly neutralizes one of the primary defenses against brute-force attacks: the login rate limiter or IP lockout mechanism. When an attacker successfully clears these lockouts, they can resume password guessing attempts without being blocked by temporary bans. This capability allows for sustained and potentially unlimited automated credential stuffing or brute-force campaigns targeting super_admin accounts. Since administrative credentials typically provide full control over the application environment, successful compromise of a super_admin account could lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, lateral movement within the network, and further exploitation of connected services. The ability to disable security controls dynamically makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to operate with reduced risk of detection or interruption from automated defenses.
From an offensive security perspective, this behavior aligns closely with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Defense Evasion, specifically T1562 Impair Defenses, where adversaries modify system configurations to hinder defensive mechanisms. Additionally, the exploitation path relates to T1078 Valid Accounts and potentially T1110 Brute Force if used in conjunction with credential stuffing tools. The vulnerability highlights a common pattern in web application development where API endpoints are exposed without rigorous verification of user roles or permissions relative to the action being performed. This lack of strict enforcement allows lower-privileged users to escalate their effective privileges by manipulating administrative functions, leading to an unauthorized elevation of access that compromises the overall security posture of the system.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patching and robust architectural corrections. The primary remediation is to upgrade Ekko Studio to a version later than 0.7.36 where this authorization flaw has been addressed by developers. In addition to updating, organizations should implement strict role-based access control checks at the API level for all administrative endpoints, ensuring that only users with super_admin privileges can invoke functions like unlockAll(). Input validation must be strengthened to require explicit parameters such as specific IP addresses for lockout management operations, preventing ambiguous requests from triggering bulk actions. Furthermore, implementing multi-factor authentication for admin accounts adds a critical layer of defense against brute-force attempts even if the underlying password is compromised. Regular security audits and penetration testing should also be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses in other parts of the application infrastructure before they can be exploited by malicious actors seeking to bypass security controls.