CVE-2008-5550 in Java Web Console
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in console/faces/jsp/login/BeginLogin.jsp in Sun Java Web Console 3.0.2 through 3.0.5 and Solaris 10 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via the redirect_url parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5550 represents a critical open redirect flaw within the Sun Java Web Console version 3.0.2 through 3.0.5 and its integration with Solaris 10 operating system. This security weakness resides in the authentication flow mechanism of the web console, specifically within the BeginLogin.jsp component that handles user login initiation. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the redirect_url parameter, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the redirection behavior during the authentication process. This flaw directly impacts the security posture of systems running affected versions of the Java Web Console, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit user trust and conduct sophisticated social engineering campaigns.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the redirect_url parameter within the login endpoint of the Java Web Console. When users attempt to authenticate through the console interface, the application processes the redirect_url parameter without adequate input validation or sanitization measures. This allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that redirect authenticated users to attacker-controlled domains, potentially leading to credential theft or other malicious activities. The vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter validation within the web application's authentication framework, specifically in how it handles redirect destinations during the login flow. The flaw essentially bypasses normal security controls by leveraging the legitimate redirection functionality to direct users to malicious sites, making it particularly dangerous due to its ability to exploit user trust in the authenticating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks, creating significant risks for enterprise environments that rely on Sun Java Web Console for system management. Organizations running affected versions face potential exposure to phishing campaigns where legitimate users are redirected to fake login pages designed to capture credentials. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform domain spoofing attacks, making it appear as though users are accessing legitimate management interfaces while actually being directed to malicious sites. This creates a serious threat to organizational security postures, particularly in environments where the Java Web Console serves as a primary management interface for critical systems. The risk is amplified by the fact that such vulnerabilities are often difficult to detect through automated scanning tools, as they require careful analysis of application behavior during authentication flows. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-601 as an open redirect vulnerability, which specifically addresses the issue of applications redirecting users to untrusted domains without proper validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5550 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest security updates from Oracle. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures for all redirect parameters, ensuring that only predetermined and trusted domains are accepted for redirection purposes. Network-level controls including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious redirection attempts. The implementation of strict access controls and network segmentation can limit the attack surface for this vulnerability, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized redirection mechanisms exist within the application. Security awareness training for administrators and users can help identify potential phishing attempts that may exploit this vulnerability, and monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual redirection patterns in web console access logs. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 highlights its potential for credential harvesting through phishing attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both technical and human factors in the attack chain.