Authorization Bypass in Wolf CMS via BackupRestoreController

Executive Summary

Wolf CMS through 0.8.3.1 has an authorization bypass flaw in the BackupRestoreController. Authenticated non-administrative users can exploit a PHP operator precedence error in the permission check to access backup functions. This allows creating, downloading, and restoring backups without admin rights.

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Detection Guidance

Check for unauthorized backup files in the Wolf CMS installation directory, particularly files with .zip or .sql extensions. Review access logs for non-administrative users performing backup, restore, or download actions. Verify permission checks in BackupRestoreController.php to ensure proper authorization logic.

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Impact Analysis

Attackers with low-level access could escalate privileges by manipulating backups. They may exfiltrate sensitive data through unauthorized backups or restore malicious backups to gain control of the system. This undermines data integrity and confidentiality.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability likely violates compliance requirements for data protection (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) by enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data through backups. It compromises data integrity and confidentiality, leading to potential legal and regulatory penalties.

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Mitigation Strategies

Update Wolf CMS to the latest version beyond 0.8.3.1. Review and correct the permission check logic in BackupRestoreController.php to fix the PHP operator precedence flaw. Restrict file access permissions to prevent unauthorized backup operations.

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