'Pointter PHP Micro-Blogging Social Network' Unauthorized Privilege Escalation (CVE-2010-4333)

'Pointter PHP Micro-Blogging Social Network' Unauthorized Privilege Escalation (CVE-2010-4333)
Mark Stanislav - [email protected]

I. DESCRIPTION

A vulnerability exists in the 'Pointter PHP Micro-Blogging Social Network' authentication system which allows for administrative privileges by crafting two
specific cookies with arbitrary values.

II. TESTED VERSION

1.8

III. PoC EXPLOIT

Using whatever method you prefer, generate 'auser' and 'apass' cookies. The values of each cookie are irrelevant; the mere presence of the cookies provide the
administrative privilege.

IV. NOTES

• Here's a snippet of the final reply that I received from the vendor:
  "Of course, it could be made safer and we know how to do it. But we have designed the softwares so that renaming admin folder gives us less work. As you know, the
  users should know the security issues as they will run this and not us."

V. SOLUTION

• There is no update released at this time. Avoidance of this software is recommended until an updated version is available.

VI. REFERENCES

http://www.pointter.com/
http://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2010-4333
http://www.uncompiled.com/2010/12/pointter-php-micro-blogging-social-network-unauthorized-privilege-escalation-cve-2010-4333/

VII. TIMELINE

11/23/2010 - Initial vendor disclosure e-mail sent
11/24/2010 - Reply from vendor informing me that my 'software manipulation' was illegal
11/24/2010 - Response to vendor regarding their accusation of illegal actions on my part
11/24/2010 - Reply from vendor stating that by releasing this information, I am committing a crime
11/24/2010 - Response to vendor that their software is CC-licensed and that their accusations are unfounded
11/24/2010 - Rebuttal from vendor again affirming I was breaking the law by disclosing this vulnerability
11/24/2010 - Reply to vendor again stating my intent to help the company and provide responsible disclosure
11/24/2010 - Response from vendor stating they would no longer respond and explained their stance on fixing this issue
11/24/2010 - Final reply to vendor stating that I was happy to work with them on a delayed disclosure if desired
12/15/2010 - Public disclosure