Authentication Bypass in Light0011 CMS via Cookie Manipulation

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is in a CMS application where a weakness allows manipulation of the username cookie. The flaw exists in the UserModel.class.php file under the Cookie Helper component. An attacker can forge a username cookie to impersonate other users, leading to improper authentication. The issue stems from the application accepting unsigned, client-controlled cookies for identity without validation.

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Detection Guidance

Check for forged username cookies in HTTP requests. Inspect UserModel.class.php, CommentModel.class.php, and CommentController.php for cookie handling without validation. Look for unsigned cookies storing user identity.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows attackers to impersonate other users by forging cookies, potentially damaging trust in account attribution. It could lead to unauthorized actions being attributed to legitimate users, such as posting comments under someone else's name. The exploit is publicly available, increasing the risk of attacks.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows improper authentication through manipulated username cookies, enabling impersonation of users. This could lead to unauthorized access to personal data, violating GDPR's data protection principles and HIPAA's access controls for protected health information.

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Mitigation Strategies

Replace username cookies with server-side sessions using immutable user IDs. Validate session IDs against account records for every action. Avoid mutable username cookies for identity assertion.

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