CVE-2014-4695 in Snort
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple open redirect vulnerabilities in the Snort package before 3.0.13 for pfSense through 2.1.4 allow remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via (1) the referer parameter to snort_rules_flowbits.php or (2) the returl parameter to snort_select_alias.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2022
The CVE-2014-4695 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw affecting the Snort package version 3.0.12 and earlier within pfSense versions up to 2.1.4. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation in two specific php scripts that handle user redirection logic. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate web traffic by crafting malicious URLs that redirect unsuspecting users to arbitrary websites, creating a significant vector for social engineering and phishing attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that exploit parameter handling in different Snort management interfaces. The first vector involves manipulation of the referer parameter within the snort_rules_flowbits.php script, while the second vector targets the returl parameter in snort_select_alias.php. Both parameters are processed without proper sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs that will be executed during subsequent user navigation. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-601, which specifically addresses open redirect vulnerabilities where web applications redirect users to external sites without proper validation. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input sanitization and output encoding that violates fundamental web security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection, creating a substantial risk for pfSense administrators and end users who may be tricked into visiting malicious sites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to conduct sophisticated phishing campaigns by redirecting users to fake login pages or sites that appear legitimate but are designed to harvest credentials or sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that pfSense is widely deployed for network security management, meaning that exploitation could potentially compromise entire network security infrastructures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566, which covers Phishing techniques, specifically focusing on the use of malicious redirects to deliver payloads. The vulnerability's persistence in pfSense versions up to 2.1.4 indicates a prolonged exposure period, allowing attackers to exploit it across multiple deployments without requiring complex targeting.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4695 require immediate patching of affected pfSense installations to versions 2.1.5 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Administrators should implement network-level controls to monitor and restrict outbound traffic to suspicious domains, though this represents a reactive measure rather than a complete solution. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly in web applications that handle user-supplied data for redirection purposes. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious redirect patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network management tools. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that legitimate redirection functionality remains operational while eliminating the security risk associated with arbitrary URL redirection.