CVE-2008-0241 in Java System Identity Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in /idm/user/login.jsp in Sun Java System Identity Manager 6.0 SP1 through SP3, 7.0, and 7.1 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a URL in the nextPage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0241 represents a critical open redirect flaw within Sun Java System Identity Manager versions 6.0 SP1 through SP3 and versions 7.0 and 7.1. This security weakness resides in the login.jsp component of the identity management system, specifically in how the application processes the nextPage parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied URL parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate the authentication flow. This flaw is classified under CWE-601 as an open redirect vulnerability, which represents a well-known weakness in web applications where user-provided URLs are directly used for redirection without proper validation. The attack vector involves a remote threat actor who can craft malicious URLs containing crafted nextPage parameters that redirect users to phishing sites or other malicious destinations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the identity manager application and its users. When a user attempts to access a protected resource, the system typically redirects them to the login page with a nextPage parameter that specifies where to redirect after successful authentication. However, the application fails to validate that this parameter contains a legitimate URL within the same domain or explicitly authorized domains. This allows attackers to insert arbitrary URLs such as http://evil-site.com/redirect or https://phishing-site.com/login, which the application will then use to redirect users after they authenticate. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate authentication flow to execute phishing attacks, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and malicious redirects. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring any special privileges or complex attack infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple phishing attacks to encompass broader security implications for organizations using Sun Java System Identity Manager. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to conduct sophisticated social engineering campaigns where users are redirected to convincing phishing sites that mimic the legitimate identity manager interface. This creates a significant risk for credential theft, as users may unknowingly enter their credentials on malicious sites that appear authentic. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the authentication process and can lead to unauthorized access to protected systems and data. Organizations may experience reputational damage, regulatory compliance issues, and potential data breaches when this vulnerability is exploited successfully. The attack can be executed at scale, as the vulnerability does not require specific user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently click on links from emails or other sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0241 should focus on implementing strict input validation and sanitization of the nextPage parameter. Organizations should configure the identity manager to only accept URLs that are explicitly authorized or to validate that any redirect URL belongs to the same domain or a pre-approved list of trusted domains. The implementation should follow the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the application does not blindly trust user-supplied redirect parameters. Security patches and updates from Sun Microsystems should be applied immediately to address this vulnerability, as the vendor would have released fixes to validate redirect URLs. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and filtering suspicious redirect patterns. Organizations should also implement user education programs to help staff recognize potential phishing attempts and understand the risks associated with clicking on untrusted links. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that legitimate redirect functionality continues to work while preventing malicious redirects, aligning with security best practices outlined in frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.