CVE-2020-23361 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

phpList 3.5.3 allows type juggling for login bypass due to the mishandling of password hashes.

Understanding CVE-2020-23361

What is CVE-2020-23361?

phpList 3.5.3 is vulnerable to a login bypass issue where the use of '==' instead of '===' for password hashes leads to mishandling of hashes starting with '0e' followed by only numerical characters.

The Impact of CVE-2020-23361

This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially gain unauthorized access to the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-23361

Vulnerability Description

Type juggling vulnerability in phpList 3.5.3 allows for a login bypass using '==' instead of '===' for password hashes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: phpList 3.5.3
Vendor: phpList
Version: n/a

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating password hashes that start with '0e' followed by only numerical characters.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade phpList to a secure version that addresses this vulnerability.
Implement strong password policies to mitigate the risk of password-related attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit authentication mechanisms for any anomalies.
Educate users on secure password practices to prevent password-related vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for phpList and promptly apply patches to fix known vulnerabilities.