CVE-2023-27576 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-27576, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-27576

CVE-2023-27576 is a security vulnerability discovered in phpList before version 3.6.14. It allows an attacker to manipulate and edit the data of the system's super admin, potentially leading to an account takeover scenario.

What is CVE-2023-27576?

The vulnerability in phpList before version 3.6.14 allows an attacker to bypass the intended email confirmation requirement for certain requests by manipulating parameters related to ID and usernames. This manipulation can lead to unauthorized access to the super admin account, enabling complete control over the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27576

The impact of CVE-2023-27576 is significant as it can result in a complete account takeover of the user with super-admin permissions. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate the system's super admin data, change passwords, and ultimately gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27576

The following technical details outline the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in phpList before version 3.6.14 allows attackers to manipulate parameters associated with the super admin account, bypassing the email confirmation requirement and gaining unauthorized access to the account.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Vendor: n/a
Affected Product: n/a
Affected Version: n/a (phpList before version 3.6.14)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit CVE-2023-27576 by sending a modified request with specific parameters that allow them to change the ID number to 1 (representing the super admin account) and the username to gain access to the account. By manipulating these parameters, attackers can perform an account takeover.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-27576, immediate steps should be taken, followed by long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update phpList to version 3.6.14 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to user account manipulation.
Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit user permissions and access levels to prevent unauthorized changes.
Conduct security training for users to raise awareness about phishing attacks and social engineering tactics.
Keep software and applications up to date to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the official phpList release notes for version 3.6.14 to understand the changes and security improvements implemented to address CVE-2023-27576. Apply patches and updates promptly to secure the system against potential threats.