Overview
CVE-2025-56423 identifies a user enumeration vulnerability affecting Austrian Academy of Sciences (AW) Austrian Archaeological Institute’s OpenAtlas version 8.12.0. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to potentially discover valid usernames by analyzing login error messages. The improper handling of authentication errors can reveal whether a given username exists within the system.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from the way OpenAtlas 8.12.0 handles incorrect login attempts. When a user tries to log in with an invalid username, the application’s response differs depending on whether the provided username exists in the database. An attacker can exploit this by systematically attempting to log in with a list of potential usernames. By analyzing the server’s response (e.g., the specific error message or response time), they can deduce which usernames are valid within the OpenAtlas installation.
Example scenarios that demonstrate the vulnerability includes:
- Different error messages: An invalid username might result in an error message like “Invalid username” while an existing username but incorrect password might trigger “Incorrect password”.
- Varying response times: A non-existent username might cause a faster response compared to a valid username because the system does not have to perform password verification.
CVSS Analysis
Currently, a CVSS score has not been assigned to CVE-2025-56423. While the direct impact of user enumeration is relatively low, it’s a crucial first step for more serious attacks, such as password brute-forcing or targeted phishing. A successful user enumeration significantly reduces the attack surface for malicious actors, making further exploitation easier.
Possible Impact
The primary impact of this vulnerability is user enumeration, which, on its own, may not seem critical. However, the information gained can be used to:
- Targeted Phishing Attacks: Knowing valid usernames allows attackers to craft more convincing and effective phishing emails.
- Password Brute-Forcing: With a list of valid usernames, attackers can focus their password brute-forcing attempts, significantly increasing their chances of success.
- Further Reconnaissance: The identified usernames can be used for more detailed information gathering about individuals associated with the OpenAtlas installation.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
To mitigate this vulnerability, the following steps are recommended:
- Apply Patch (if available): Check the official OpenAtlas website or contact the vendor (Austrian Academy of Sciences) for any available patches or updates that address this vulnerability.
- Implement Generic Error Messages: Modify the application to return generic error messages for both invalid usernames and incorrect passwords. This prevents attackers from differentiating between the two scenarios. For example, use a consistent “Invalid login credentials” message.
- Implement Rate Limiting: Implement rate limiting on the login endpoint to prevent attackers from making a large number of login attempts in a short period. This will slow down the enumeration process.
- Web Application Firewall (WAF): Use a WAF to detect and block suspicious login attempts, such as those originating from the same IP address within a short timeframe.
