CVE-2017-8916 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the Center for Internet Security CIS-CAT Pro Dashboard before version 1.0.4 allows an authenticated user to gain administrative privileges by changing an administrative user's email address.

Understanding CVE-2017-8916

This CVE entry describes a security issue in the CIS-CAT Pro Dashboard that could lead to unauthorized administrative access.

What is CVE-2017-8916?

The vulnerability in the CIS-CAT Pro Dashboard allows an authenticated user to manipulate an administrative user's email address and trigger a password reset email to gain administrative rights.

The Impact of CVE-2017-8916

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in an attacker obtaining unauthorized administrative privileges within the CIS-CAT Pro Dashboard.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-8916

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Before version 1.0.4 of the CIS-CAT Pro Dashboard, an authenticated user could change an administrative user's email address and send a password reset email to themselves, thereby acquiring administrative access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: CIS-CAT Pro Dashboard
Vendor: Center for Internet Security
Versions affected: Before 1.0.4

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows an authenticated user to exploit the password reset functionality to gain unauthorized administrative privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-8916 requires specific actions to mitigate the risk.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 1.0.4 or later of the CIS-CAT Pro Dashboard.
Monitor administrative user email address changes for suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance access control.
Regularly review and update user privileges to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by the Center for Internet Security to address this vulnerability.