CVE-2015-5062 in CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in SilverStripe CMS & Framework 3.1.13 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a URL in the returnURL parameter to dev/build.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The CVE-2015-5062 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw discovered in SilverStripe CMS and Framework versions 3.1.13 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the dev/build endpoint of the SilverStripe content management system, which is commonly used for database schema updates and site building operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the returnURL parameter, creating a malicious redirect chain that can be exploited to deceive users into visiting unauthorized websites. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the returnURL parameter, which is processed without proper verification of the target domain or protocol. This creates a pathway for attackers to craft URLs that appear legitimate while redirecting users to phishing sites or malicious domains, effectively bypassing the application's security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent trust placed in internal application endpoints by the SilverStripe framework. When users access the dev/build URL with a malicious returnURL parameter, the system fails to validate whether the specified redirect target is within the application's trusted domain or adheres to acceptable protocols. This validation gap enables attackers to construct URLs with protocols such as http, https, or even javascript: schemes that can redirect users to attacker-controlled domains. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level where users may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive administrative functions. The flaw can be exploited through various vectors including social engineering campaigns, where attackers craft deceptive emails or messages containing malicious links that appear to originate from legitimate SilverStripe installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5062 extends beyond simple redirection attacks and can facilitate sophisticated phishing campaigns, credential harvesting, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create convincing phishing pages that mimic the legitimate SilverStripe administrative interface, potentially capturing user credentials or sensitive information. The vulnerability also enables attackers to redirect users to malicious domains that can serve malware, conduct click fraud, or perform other malicious activities. Security researchers have classified this as a high-severity issue under CWE-601 Open Redirect vulnerability, which is categorized under the broader category of insecure direct object references. This classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.002 for Phishing through Social Engineering, where attackers use open redirect vulnerabilities to establish initial access through deceptive means. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where SilverStripe CMS is used for critical business applications, as it can compromise user trust and potentially lead to data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5062 should focus on immediate patching of affected SilverStripe installations to versions 3.1.14 or later, which contain the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement strict URL validation mechanisms that ensure all redirect targets are either within the application's trusted domain or explicitly authorized by administrators. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block suspicious redirect patterns in the dev/build endpoint. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected SilverStripe installations and ensure proper input sanitization is implemented throughout the application's codebase. The fix typically involves implementing a whitelist approach for redirect URLs or employing strict validation that checks the protocol and domain of the target URL against a predefined set of trusted domains, thereby preventing the exploitation of this vulnerability while maintaining legitimate redirect functionality.