CVE-2020-9013:Arvato Skillpipe 3.0 Print Restriction Bypass Vulnerability

splash
Back

Description Preview

A vulnerability in Arvato Skillpipe 3.0 allows attackers to bypass intended print restrictions by simply deleting the watermark div element from the HTML source code. This improper input validation vulnerability (CWE-20) enables users to print protected content without the intended watermarks or restrictions, potentially leading to unauthorized distribution of copyrighted training materials.

Overview

Arvato Skillpipe 3.0 is a digital courseware platform used for delivering training materials. The platform implements print restrictions intended to prevent unauthorized reproduction of copyrighted content by adding watermarks to printed materials. However, due to client-side implementation of these restrictions, they can be easily circumvented by manipulating the HTML code. Specifically, an attacker can simply delete the <div id="watermark"> element from the HTML source code before printing, resulting in clean, unrestricted printouts of the protected content. This vulnerability demonstrates the weakness of relying solely on client-side controls for enforcing security restrictions.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, the following measures are recommended:

  1. Implement server-side validation and rendering of watermarks that cannot be bypassed through client-side manipulation
  2. Consider using PDF generation with embedded watermarks instead of HTML printing
  3. Implement additional technical controls such as digital rights management (DRM) solutions
  4. Consider using image-based content rendering for sensitive materials that need print protection
  5. Regularly audit and test security controls to identify similar bypass techniques
  6. Update to a newer version of the platform if the vendor has released a patch

References

  1. Twitter disclosure by Gerard Fuguet: https://twitter.com/GerardFuguet/status/1228462263188758529
  2. Exploit documentation on Exploit-DB: https://www.exploit-db.com/docs/48175
  3. Video demonstration of the vulnerability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok1UmRFWoLY
  4. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-20): Improper Input Validation - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/20.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

Let's talk!

background
Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database