CVE-2020-14214 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Zammad before 3.3.1, when Domain Based Assignment is enabled, relies on a claimed e-mail address for authorization decisions. An attacker can register a new account that will have access to all tickets of an arbitrary Organization.

Understanding CVE-2020-14214

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Zammad that can be exploited when Domain Based Assignment is active.

What is CVE-2020-14214?

CVE-2020-14214 highlights a security flaw in Zammad versions prior to 3.3.1, where authorization decisions are based on a claimed email address, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14214

The vulnerability enables attackers to create new accounts, granting them access to all tickets within any Organization.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14214

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Zammad before version 3.3.1, with Domain Based Assignment enabled, lacks proper authorization controls, allowing attackers to exploit the claimed email address for unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Zammad
Vendor: Zammad
Versions affected: All versions before 3.3.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can register new accounts using a claimed email address, gaining access to all tickets within an arbitrary Organization.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-14214 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Zammad to version 3.3.1 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Disable Domain Based Assignment if not essential for operations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance access controls.
Regularly review and audit user permissions and access levels.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches and updates provided by Zammad.