CVE-2014-6255 in Zenoss
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the login form in Zenoss Core before 4.2.5 SP161 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via the came_from parameter, aka ZEN-11998.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6255 represents a critical open redirect flaw discovered in Zenoss Core versions prior to 4.2.5 SP161. This vulnerability specifically affects the login form implementation and enables remote attackers to manipulate the authentication flow by exploiting the came_from parameter. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's redirect mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious actors to craft deceptive URLs that appear legitimate to unsuspecting users. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to specify arbitrary URLs in the came_from parameter, which the application then processes without proper verification, leading to unauthorized redirection of users to malicious websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to validate the destination URL against a whitelist or blacklist of approved domains. When users attempt to log into the Zenoss Core system, they are typically redirected to a specific page after successful authentication. However, the came_from parameter in the login form accepts any URL value without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious redirection targets. This flaw directly maps to CWE-601, which addresses open redirect vulnerabilities where applications redirect users to untrusted sites without proper validation. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be accomplished through simple URL manipulation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently access web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6255 extends beyond simple redirection, creating significant opportunities for sophisticated phishing attacks that can compromise user credentials and system integrity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to redirect users to phishing sites that closely mimic the legitimate Zenoss login interface, potentially capturing authentication credentials through credential harvesting techniques. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where Zenoss Core is used for network monitoring and management, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to critical infrastructure monitoring systems. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers phishing attacks, and specifically targets the initial access phase where adversaries establish footholds through deceptive redirection mechanisms. The impact is amplified when considering that Zenoss Core is often deployed in enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain deeper system access through credential compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6255 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application's redirect functionality. Organizations should implement strict domain validation for the came_from parameter, ensuring that only URLs from trusted domains are accepted for redirection. The recommended approach involves creating a whitelist of approved redirect destinations and rejecting any requests that attempt to redirect to external domains. Additionally, security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to Zenoss Core 4.2.5 SP161 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block suspicious redirect patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks, particularly in authentication systems where user trust is paramount.