The issue arises from improper and insufficient authorization checks when processing requests, allowing attackers to access more functionality than intended, including administrative and moderator features. This affects every local user of a Pixelfed server and potentially impacts the server's ability to federate. Some user interaction is required to set up the conditions for the vulnerability, but attackers can conduct the attack in a time-delayed manner without active user interaction. A proof of concept exists, and the vulnerability has been addressed in version 0.11.11.
Technical details about exploitation include:
- **API Endpoints:** For example, `/api/admin/config/update` can be exploited with a `read` scoped access token to perform administrative actions.
- **Vulnerable Parameters or Variables:** Access tokens with `read` scope can be used to perform actions requiring higher-privilege scopes, such as `follow` or `admin:write`.
- **Function Names:** The vulnerability exploits the improper checking of OAuth Application/Client permissions, allowing access to unauthorized functionality.