SiSMART vulnerability CVE-2024-48217
CVE-2024-48217 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the dashboard of SiSMART version 7.4.0. This vulnerability is categorized as an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR), which allows attackers to perform horizontal privilege escalation. This means that users can gain unauthorized access to resources or actions that are typically restricted to other users at the same privilege level.
Understanding Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR)
IDOR vulnerabilities occur when an application exposes a reference to an internal implementation object, such as a file or database record, without proper authorization checks. Attackers can manipulate these references to access or modify data they should not have permission to interact with.How IDOR Works
- Reference Exposure: The application provides direct access to objects using identifiers (e.g., user IDs, document IDs).
- Manipulation: An attacker alters the identifier in a request to access another user's data.
- Unauthorized Access: If the application does not validate the request against the user's permissions, the attacker can view or modify sensitive information.
Implications of CVE-2024-48217
The vulnerability in SiSMART allows attackers to exploit this IDOR flaw, leading to several potential security risks:- Data Breach: Unauthorized users could access sensitive information belonging to other users.
- Data Manipulation: Attackers might alter critical data, leading to integrity issues within the application.
- Loss of Trust: Organizations using SiSMART may face reputational damage if user data is compromised.
Sample Scenarios
Scenario 1: Unauthorized Data Access
Imagine a scenario where a user is logged into the SiSMART dashboard and has access to their own profile data, identifiable by a unique user ID (e.g.,user_id=123). If the application does not validate user permissions correctly, an attacker could change the URL parameter from user_id=123 to user_id=124 and gain access to another user's data.Scenario 2: Data Manipulation
In another instance, if the dashboard allows users to update their profile information via a request that includes their user ID, an attacker could exploit the IDOR by changing their user ID in the request. This could enable them to update another user's profile information without authorization, potentially leading to misinformation or fraud.Scenario 3: Elevating Privileges
An attacker could also leverage this vulnerability by accessing features or functionalities reserved for higher privilege users. For example, if certain administrative actions are accessible through direct object references and are not adequately protected, an attacker could perform actions like deleting records or modifying configurations that should only be available to administrators.Mitigation Strategies
To address vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-48217, organizations should implement several best practices:- Access Control Checks: Ensure that all requests validate user permissions against their roles before processing.
- Parameter Validation: Implement strict validation on all input parameters and avoid exposing direct references in URLs.
- Security Testing: Regularly conduct security assessments and penetration testing focused on identifying IDOR vulnerabilities.