CVE-2013-2248 in Struts
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple open redirect vulnerabilities in Apache Struts 2.0.0 through 2.3.15 allow remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a URL in a parameter using the (1) redirect: or (2) redirectAction: prefix.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2248 represents a critical open redirect flaw within the Apache Struts 2 web application framework affecting versions from 2.0.0 through 2.3.15. This vulnerability resides in the framework's parameter processing mechanism where it fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied input before using it in redirect operations. The flaw specifically impacts two redirect prefixes: redirect: and redirectAction: which are commonly used within Struts applications for controlling application flow and user navigation. When an application processes a request containing these prefixes in parameters, the framework blindly accepts the provided URL value without adequate validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate application behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the Struts framework's redirect handling code. When a parameter contains either redirect: or redirectAction: prefixes followed by a URL value, the framework directly incorporates this value into the redirect mechanism without performing proper URL validation or sanitization checks. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that include crafted URLs in these parameters, enabling the framework to redirect users to arbitrary destinations. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests containing specially crafted parameters that leverage the framework's redirect functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-2248 is significant and multifaceted, primarily enabling sophisticated phishing attacks and user deception campaigns. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to redirect unsuspecting users from legitimate websites to malicious domains, effectively conducting credential theft operations and social engineering attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged without requiring authentication or elevated privileges, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can influence application parameters. This creates a substantial risk for web applications using affected Struts versions, as users may be unknowingly redirected to fraudulent sites that mimic legitimate services, potentially leading to data breaches and financial fraud.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through upgrading to Apache Struts 2.3.16 or later versions where the issue has been addressed. The fix implemented in newer versions involves enhanced input validation and sanitization of redirect parameters, ensuring that only properly formatted and trusted URLs are accepted for redirect operations. Security teams should also implement additional mitigations such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious redirect patterns, parameter validation rules, and network monitoring to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 Phishing, as it enables the creation of malicious redirect chains that facilitate social engineering attacks. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all applications using affected Struts versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.
The broader implications of this vulnerability extend beyond immediate exploitation risks to highlight fundamental security practices in web application development. It demonstrates the critical importance of input validation, parameter sanitization, and secure coding practices in preventing common web application vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that even well-established frameworks can contain security flaws that require ongoing vigilance and regular security updates. Organizations should establish robust security monitoring procedures to detect anomalous redirect behaviors and implement comprehensive security testing including penetration testing and code reviews to identify potential redirect vulnerabilities in their applications.