CVE-2016-2403: Symfony Authentication Bypass
Summary
CVE-2016-2403: Symfony Authentication Bypass. Affects symfony/security-core across 2 version ranges.
>= 2.8.0, < 2.8.6
>= 3.0.0, < 3.0.6
Fixed in 2.8.6 or 3.0.6, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- symfony · Debian:11
The same CVE-2016-2403 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
Symfony is a popular PHP framework used for developing web applications. It provides a set of reusable components and tools that simplify the development process. This vulnerability affects Symfony versions before 2.8.6 and 3.x before 3.0.6. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication by logging in with an empty password and a valid username. This triggers an unauthenticated bind, granting unauthorized access to the system.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a flaw in the authentication mechanism of Symfony. By submitting an empty password along with a valid username, an attacker can exploit the system's failure to properly validate the authentication request. This leads to an unauthenticated bind, effectively bypassing the authentication process. The impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive resources and potentially compromises the security of the entire system.
How To Fix
Fixed versions by release line
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
>= 2.8.0, < 2.8.62.8.6composer require symfony/security-core:2.8.6 -
>= 3.0.0, < 3.0.63.0.6composer require symfony/security-core:3.0.6
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can implement additional authentication measures to supplement the existing Symfony authentication mechanism. This can include implementing multi-factor authentication, IP whitelisting, or rate limiting to prevent unauthorized access. However, it is crucial to note that these workarounds are not a substitute for upgrading to the patched versions of Symfony.
Conclusion
The Symfony Authentication Bypass vulnerability (CVE-2016-2403) allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access to the system. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade to the patched versions of Symfony (2.8.6 or later for Symfony 2.x, and 3.0.6 or later for Symfony 3.x). Implementing additional authentication measures can serve as a temporary workaround. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain unauthorized access to the system, potentially compromising sensitive data and resources.
Symfony versions before 2.8.6 and 3.x before 3.0.6 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring access to the code or installation.
At the time of this report, there are no known public exploits specifically targeting this vulnerability. However, it is crucial to apply the necessary patches and security updates to mitigate the risk.
You can find more information about this vulnerability, including the technical details and patches, in the GitHub Advisory Database at the following link: https://github.com/github/advisory-database/blob/main/advisories/github-reviewed/2022/05/GHSA-wvj5-r78r-hhfq/GHSA-wvj5-r78r-hhfq.json
References
Related vulnerabilities
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