Fuel CMS Default Login Scanner

Fuel CMS is a flexible, hybrid content management framework developed to provide end-users with a convenient way to manage content while allowing developers the power and flexibility of custom code. It is commonly used by developers and organizations to build and maintain websites, offering both a development framework and a powerful content management system in one. The software is typically employed by businesses seeking a streamlined approach to content management that doesn't sacrifice advanced features or customization potential. Fuel CMS caters to a wide range of industries, providing solutions from basic websites to more complex data-driven applications. It is known for its user-friendly interface and ability to manage web assets with ease. The open-source nature of Fuel CMS makes it popular in the developer community for its extensibility and adaptability in various digital environments.

The vulnerability identified is the presence of default administrative login credentials in Fuel CMS installations. If these default credentials are not changed upon installation, they create a significant security risk, allowing unauthorized access to the site’s backend. Default admin credentials, 'admin' for username and 'admin' for password, are easily guessable and are often targeted by attackers attempting unauthorized access. This vulnerability falls under security misconfiguration because it arises when installations are not properly configured or secured before being put into production. Exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can gain full administrative control over affected installations, leading to data loss, corruption, and further exploitation of the system. It's crucial for operators to rigorously secure administrative access points by updating default credentials during initial setup.

The technical details of this vulnerability involve leveraging default credentials upon accessing specific URLs intended for administrative control. Attack patterns include HTTP GET and POST requests aimed at the /fuel/login endpoint with 'admin' as both the username and password. If successful, these attempts lead to a redirection to the /fuel/dashboard endpoint, indicating successful login. The presence of 'fuel_(.*)=' in headers also indicates a successful login, deriving from session or token information being set. Furthermore, a 302 HTTP status response further confirms unauthorized access, as the system redirects to different resources post-login. The vulnerable parameters include '/fuel/login' endpoint input fields for username and password, which must be secured by enforcing strong, unique credentials.

When exploited by malicious actors, this vulnerability can lead to several severe effects, including unauthorized data access and manipulation. Attackers could alter site content, deploy malware, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised site to launch attacks against others. Additionally, unauthorized backdoor access could lead to a breach of compliance with data protection regulations, damaging reputations, and resulting in financial penalties. Mitigation of this vulnerability protects against these risks, safeguarding user data and overall site integrity.

REFERENCES

• https://docs.getfuelcms.com/general/security