CVE-2022-41697 Scanner

Ghost CMS is a popular open-source content management system used by developers, small businesses, and enterprises for creating and managing online publications. It provides users with the ability to create customizable web pages and blogs, facilitating content marketing and brand storytelling. Ghost CMS is built on Node.js and offers features like SEO optimization, membership management, and detailed analytics. Known for its user-friendly interface, it appeals to content creators looking for a platform with a clean design and efficient performance. Extensive API support allows developers to integrate Ghost CMS with other services and platforms. The platform is widely used across industries such as media, SaaS, and e-commerce for building digital content solutions.

User Enumeration is a type of vulnerability that discloses valid usernames to unauthorized parties through error messages or system responses. In Ghost CMS version 5.9.4, this vulnerability resides in the login functionality, where differing error messages reveal whether a user account exists. By sending specially crafted HTTP requests, attackers can deduce valid user accounts, which can lead to further security threats. This type of information disclosure can facilitate additional attacks like phishing and credential stuffing. User enumeration can weaken the overall security posture of a web application by exposing partial user information. Reducing differing error messages for invalid login attempts is instrumental in mitigating this vulnerability.

The technical details of the vulnerability indicate that the login endpoint "/ghost/api/admin/session" responds differently based on account validity. When a non-existent user account is queried, specific JSON error messages like "There is no user with that email address" coupled with a 404 status code are sent back in the response. Attackers employ automation tools to generate thousands of requests with different usernames and gather feedback on valid accounts from Ghost CMS's error messages. This allows for crafting a list of active usernames, which could be exploited for unauthorized access attempts. Fixing this exposure involves making error messages consistent and devoid of hints regarding username existence.

When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to compile lists of known valid usernames and email addresses. Subsequent malicious activities, like phishing campaigns and password attacks, can be launched using the gathered data. User enumeration broadens the attack surface by aiding targeted attacks, possibly compromising user accounts if passwords are weak or reused. In environments lacking additional security measures like account lockout policies, the threat elevates further. Moreover, hackers might perform social engineering attacks using accurate user details, increasing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access.

REFERENCES

• https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2022-1625
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-41697
• https://github.com/tryghost/ghost