CVE-2015-5241 in jUDDI
Summary
by MITRE
After logging into the portal, the logout jsp page redirects the browser back to the login page after. It is feasible for malicious users to redirect the browser to an unintended web page in Apache jUDDI 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, and 3.1.5 when utilizing the portlets based user interface also known as 'Pluto', 'jUDDI Portal', 'UDDI Portal' or 'uddi-console'. User session data, credentials, and auth tokens are cleared before the redirect.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5241 affects Apache jUDDI versions 3.1.2 through 3.1.5 when operating with the Pluto portlet-based user interface. This issue represents a session management flaw that occurs during the logout process, creating an exploitable condition within the web application's authentication flow. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of session termination within the jUDDI portal environment, specifically when users interact with the UDDI Portal or uddi-console interfaces that utilize the Pluto portlet container.
The technical flaw manifests as an insecure redirect mechanism during the logout sequence where the system attempts to redirect users to the login page but fails to properly validate or sanitize the redirect target. This creates a potential for open redirect vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit to manipulate browser navigation after authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs in the logout phase, which is typically considered a trusted security boundary where session cleanup should occur. When users log out, the system clears user session data, credentials, and authentication tokens as part of normal security practices, but the subsequent redirect mechanism remains vulnerable to manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session management concerns and represents a potential vector for session hijacking or credential theft attacks. Attackers can potentially redirect authenticated users to malicious websites while they are in the process of logging out, potentially capturing session information or redirecting them to phishing sites. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect vulnerability classification and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1531 for Account Access Removal and T1566 for Phishing. The issue is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where jUDDI serves as a registry for web services and where unauthorized access to registry information could compromise service availability and data integrity.
The security implications of this vulnerability are significant as it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the logout process. When users believe they have successfully logged out of the system, they may be unknowingly redirected to malicious sites that can capture their credentials or perform unauthorized actions. The vulnerability affects the jUDDI portal's authentication flow specifically when using the Pluto portlet container, indicating that the issue is not with the core jUDDI functionality but rather with the integration between the portal interface and the underlying authentication mechanisms. Organizations using affected versions should implement immediate mitigations including proper input validation for redirect URLs, implementing a whitelist of allowed redirect destinations, and ensuring that the logout process properly handles session termination without allowing external redirection. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper session management practices in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor issues in authentication flows can create significant security risks.