Vulnerabilities > CVE-2016-9837 - Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls vulnerability in Joomla Joomla!

047910
CVSS 7.5 - HIGH
Attack vector
NETWORK
Attack complexity
LOW
Privileges required
NONE
Confidentiality impact
HIGH
Integrity impact
NONE
Availability impact
NONE
network
low complexity
joomla
CWE-264
nessus

Summary

An issue was discovered in templates/beez3/html/com_content/article/default.php in Joomla! before 3.6.5. Inadequate permissions checks in the Beez3 layout override of the com_content article view allow users to view articles that should not be publicly accessible, as demonstrated by an index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&template=beez3 request.

Vulnerable Configurations

Part Description Count
Application
Joomla
236

Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)

  • Accessing, Modifying or Executing Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an attacker to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an attacker to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.
  • Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files, when the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high. The attack can be directed at a client system, such as causing buffer overrun through loading seemingly benign image files, as in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-028 where specially crafted JPEG files could cause a buffer overrun once loaded into the browser. Another example targets clients reading pdf files. In this case the attacker simply appends javascript to the end of a legitimate url for a pdf (http://www.gnucitizen.org/blog/danger-danger-danger/) http://path/to/pdf/file.pdf#whatever_name_you_want=javascript:your_code_here The client assumes that they are reading a pdf, but the attacker has modified the resource and loaded executable javascript into the client's browser process. The attack can also target server processes. The attacker edits the resource or configuration file, for example a web.xml file used to configure security permissions for a J2EE app server, adding role name "public" grants all users with the public role the ability to use the administration functionality. The server trusts its configuration file to be correct, but when they are manipulated, the attacker gains full control.
  • Blue Boxing
    This type of attack against older telephone switches and trunks has been around for decades. A tone is sent by an adversary to impersonate a supervisor signal which has the effect of rerouting or usurping command of the line. While the US infrastructure proper may not contain widespread vulnerabilities to this type of attack, many companies are connected globally through call centers and business process outsourcing. These international systems may be operated in countries which have not upgraded Telco infrastructure and so are vulnerable to Blue boxing. Blue boxing is a result of failure on the part of the system to enforce strong authorization for administrative functions. While the infrastructure is different than standard current applications like web applications, there are historical lessons to be learned to upgrade the access control for administrative functions.
  • Restful Privilege Elevation
    Rest uses standard HTTP (Get, Put, Delete) style permissions methods, but these are not necessarily correlated generally with back end programs. Strict interpretation of HTTP get methods means that these HTTP Get services should not be used to delete information on the server, but there is no access control mechanism to back up this logic. This means that unless the services are properly ACL'd and the application's service implementation are following these guidelines then an HTTP request can easily execute a delete or update on the server side. The attacker identifies a HTTP Get URL such as http://victimsite/updateOrder, which calls out to a program to update orders on a database or other resource. The URL is not idempotent so the request can be submitted multiple times by the attacker, additionally, the attacker may be able to exploit the URL published as a Get method that actually performs updates (instead of merely retrieving data). This may result in malicious or inadvertent altering of data on the server.
  • Target Programs with Elevated Privileges
    This attack targets programs running with elevated privileges. The attacker would try to leverage a bug in the running program and get arbitrary code to execute with elevated privileges. For instance an attacker would look for programs that write to the system directories or registry keys (such as HKLM, which stores a number of critical Windows environment variables). These programs are typically running with elevated privileges and have usually not been designed with security in mind. Such programs are excellent exploit targets because they yield lots of power when they break. The malicious user try to execute its code at the same level as a privileged system call.

Nessus

  • NASL familyFreeBSD Local Security Checks
    NASL idFREEBSD_PKG_624B45C0C7F311E6AE1B002590263BF5.NASL
    descriptionThe JSST and the Joomla! Security Center report : [20161201] - Core - Elevated Privileges Incorrect use of unfiltered data stored to the session on a form validation failure allows for existing user accounts to be modified; to include resetting their username, password, and user group assignments. [20161202] - Core - Shell Upload Inadequate filesystem checks allowed files with alternative PHP file extensions to be uploaded. [20161203] - Core - Information Disclosure Inadequate ACL checks in the Beez3 com_content article layout override enables a user to view restricted content.
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id96059
    published2016-12-22
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/96059
    titleFreeBSD : Joomla! -- multiple vulnerabilities (624b45c0-c7f3-11e6-ae1b-002590263bf5)
    code
    #
    # (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    #
    # The descriptive text and package checks in this plugin were  
    # extracted from the FreeBSD VuXML database :
    #
    # Copyright 2003-2018 Jacques Vidrine and contributors
    #
    # Redistribution and use in source (VuXML) and 'compiled' forms (SGML,
    # HTML, PDF, PostScript, RTF and so forth) with or without modification,
    # are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
    # 1. Redistributions of source code (VuXML) must retain the above
    #    copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following
    #    disclaimer as the first lines of this file unmodified.
    # 2. Redistributions in compiled form (transformed to other DTDs,
    #    published online in any format, converted to PDF, PostScript,
    #    RTF and other formats) must reproduce the above copyright
    #    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer
    #    in the documentation and/or other materials provided with the
    #    distribution.
    # 
    # THIS DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS"
    # AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
    # THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
    # PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR OR CONTRIBUTORS
    # BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY,
    # OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT
    # OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR
    # BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY,
    # WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE
    # OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS DOCUMENTATION,
    # EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
    #
    
    include("compat.inc");
    
    if (description)
    {
      script_id(96059);
      script_version("3.5");
      script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/04/11 17:23:06");
    
      script_cve_id("CVE-2016-9836", "CVE-2016-9837", "CVE-2016-9838");
    
      script_name(english:"FreeBSD : Joomla! -- multiple vulnerabilities (624b45c0-c7f3-11e6-ae1b-002590263bf5)");
      script_summary(english:"Checks for updated package in pkg_info output");
    
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"synopsis", 
        value:"The remote FreeBSD host is missing a security-related update."
      );
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"description", 
        value:
    "The JSST and the Joomla! Security Center report : [20161201] - Core -
    Elevated Privileges Incorrect use of unfiltered data stored to the
    session on a form validation failure allows for existing user accounts
    to be modified; to include resetting their username, password, and
    user group assignments. [20161202] - Core - Shell Upload Inadequate
    filesystem checks allowed files with alternative PHP file extensions
    to be uploaded. [20161203] - Core - Information Disclosure Inadequate
    ACL checks in the Beez3 com_content article layout override enables a
    user to view restricted content."
      );
      # https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/664-20161201-core-elevated-privileges.html
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"see_also",
        value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?7934a324"
      );
      # https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/665-20161202-core-shell-upload.html
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"see_also",
        value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?6c4c5a5e"
      );
      # https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/666-20161203-core-information-disclosure.html
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"see_also",
        value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?a397aea4"
      );
      # https://www.joomla.org/announcements/release-news/5693-joomla-3-6-5-released.html
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"see_also",
        value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?3ca7356f"
      );
      # https://vuxml.freebsd.org/freebsd/624b45c0-c7f3-11e6-ae1b-002590263bf5.html
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"see_also",
        value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?4b66e4e1"
      );
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:"Update the affected package.");
      script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P");
      script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:POC/RL:OF/RC:C");
      script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
      script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:P/RL:O/RC:C");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"p-cpe:/a:freebsd:freebsd:joomla3");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:freebsd:freebsd");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2016/12/06");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2016/12/22");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2016/12/22");
      script_end_attributes();
    
      script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
      script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");
      script_family(english:"FreeBSD Local Security Checks");
    
      script_dependencies("ssh_get_info.nasl");
      script_require_keys("Host/local_checks_enabled", "Host/FreeBSD/release", "Host/FreeBSD/pkg_info");
    
      exit(0);
    }
    
    
    include("audit.inc");
    include("freebsd_package.inc");
    
    
    if (!get_kb_item("Host/local_checks_enabled")) audit(AUDIT_LOCAL_CHECKS_NOT_ENABLED);
    if (!get_kb_item("Host/FreeBSD/release")) audit(AUDIT_OS_NOT, "FreeBSD");
    if (!get_kb_item("Host/FreeBSD/pkg_info")) audit(AUDIT_PACKAGE_LIST_MISSING);
    
    
    flag = 0;
    
    if (pkg_test(save_report:TRUE, pkg:"joomla3>=1.6.0<3.6.5")) flag++;
    
    if (flag)
    {
      if (report_verbosity > 0) security_hole(port:0, extra:pkg_report_get());
      else security_hole(0);
      exit(0);
    }
    else audit(AUDIT_HOST_NOT, "affected");
    
  • NASL familyCGI abuses
    NASL idJOOMLA_365.NASL
    descriptionAccording to its self-reported version number, the Joomla! installation running on the remote web server is prior to 3.6.5. It is, therefore, affected by multiple vulnerabilities : - A flaw exists in the JFilterInput::isFileSafe() function due to improper validation of file types and extensions of uploaded files before placing them in a user-accessible path. An unauthenticated, remote attacker can exploit this issue, by uploading a specially crafted file using an alternative PHP extension and then requesting it, to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web service. Note that this issue affects versions 3.0.0 to 3.6.4. (CVE-2016-9836) - An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the Beez3 com_content article layout override due to inadequate access control list (ACL) checks. An authenticated, remote attacker can exploit this to disclose restricted content. Note that this issue affects versions 3.0.0 to 3.6.4. (CVE-2016-9837) - A privilege escalation vulnerability exists due to improper validation of form data before storing it in the session. An authenticated, remote attacker can exploit this, via a specially crafted request, to modify existing user accounts, such as resetting credentials or group assignments. (CVE-2016-9838) Note that Nessus has not tested for these issues but has instead relied only on the application
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id95916
    published2016-12-16
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/95916
    titleJoomla! < 3.6.5 Multiple Vulnerabilities
    code
    #
    # (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    #
    
    include("compat.inc");
    
    if (description)
    {
      script_id(95916);
      script_version("1.8");
      script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/11/13");
    
      script_cve_id("CVE-2016-9836", "CVE-2016-9837", "CVE-2016-9838");
      script_bugtraq_id(94663, 94892, 94893);
    
      script_name(english:"Joomla! < 3.6.5 Multiple Vulnerabilities");
      script_summary(english:"Checks the version of Joomla!.");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
    "The remote web server contains a PHP application that is affected by
    multiple vulnerabilities.");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
    "According to its self-reported version number, the Joomla!
    installation running on the remote web server is prior to 3.6.5. It
    is, therefore, affected by multiple vulnerabilities :
    
      - A flaw exists in the JFilterInput::isFileSafe() function
        due to improper validation of file types and extensions
        of uploaded files before placing them in a
        user-accessible path. An unauthenticated, remote
        attacker can exploit this issue, by uploading a
        specially crafted file using an alternative PHP
        extension and then requesting it, to execute arbitrary
        code with the privileges of the web service. Note that
        this issue affects versions 3.0.0 to 3.6.4.
        (CVE-2016-9836)
    
      - An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the
        Beez3 com_content article layout override due to
        inadequate access control list (ACL) checks. An
        authenticated, remote attacker can exploit this to
        disclose restricted content. Note that this issue
        affects versions 3.0.0 to 3.6.4. (CVE-2016-9837)
    
      - A privilege escalation vulnerability exists due to
        improper validation of form data before storing it in
        the session. An authenticated, remote attacker can
        exploit this, via a specially crafted request, to modify
        existing user accounts, such as resetting credentials or
        group assignments. (CVE-2016-9838)
    
    Note that Nessus has not tested for these issues but has instead
    relied only on the application's self-reported version number.");
      # https://www.joomla.org/announcements/release-news/5693-joomla-3-6-5-released.html
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?3ca7356f");
      # https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/664-20161201-core-elevated-privileges.html
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?7934a324");
      # https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/665-20161202-core-shell-upload.html
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?6c4c5a5e");
      # https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/666-20161203-core-information-disclosure.html
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?a397aea4");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
    "Upgrade to Joomla! version 3.6.5 or later.");
      script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P");
      script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:F/RL:U/RC:ND");
      script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
      script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:F/RL:U/RC:X");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cvss_score_source", value:"CVE-2016-9836");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2016/10/27");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2016/12/13");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2016/12/16");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"potential_vulnerability", value:"true");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"remote");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/a:joomla:joomla\!");
      script_end_attributes();
    
      script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
      script_family(english:"CGI abuses");
    
      script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");
    
      script_dependencies("joomla_detect.nasl");
      script_require_keys("installed_sw/Joomla!", "www/PHP", "Settings/ParanoidReport");
      script_require_ports("Services/www", 80);
    
      exit(0);
    }
    
    include("audit.inc");
    include("global_settings.inc");
    include("http.inc");
    include("install_func.inc");
    include("misc_func.inc");
    
    app = "Joomla!";
    get_install_count(app_name:app, exit_if_zero:TRUE);
    
    port = get_http_port(default:80, php:TRUE);
    
    install = get_single_install(
      app_name : app,
      port     : port,
      exit_if_unknown_ver : TRUE
    );
    
    #if (report_paranoia < 2) audit(AUDIT_PARANOID);
    
    dir = install["path"];
    install_loc =  build_url(port:port, qs:dir);
    version = install['version'];
    
    fix = "3.6.5";
    
    # Pull out the purely numeric version
    numeric = eregmatch(string:version, pattern:"^([0-9\.]+)($|[^0-9])");
    
    if (empty_or_null(numeric))
      audit(AUDIT_UNKNOWN_WEB_APP_VER, app, install_loc);
    
    numeric = numeric[1];
    
    parts = split(numeric, sep:".", keep:FALSE);
    
    if (len(parts) < 3) audit(AUDIT_VER_NOT_GRANULAR, app, version);
    
    # Version 1.6.0 - 3.6.4 vulnerable to privilege escalation
    # https://developer.joomla.org/security-centre/664-20161201-core-elevated-privileges.html
    if (ver_compare(ver:numeric, minver:"1.6.0", fix:fix, strict:FALSE) < 0)
    {
      report =
        '\n  URL               : ' +install_loc+
        '\n  Installed version : ' +version+
        '\n  Fixed version     : ' +fix+
        '\n';
    
      security_report_v4(
        port:port,
        extra:report,
        severity:SECURITY_HOLE);
    }
    else audit(AUDIT_WEB_APP_NOT_AFFECTED, app, install_loc, version);