CVE-2017-14802 in Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Novell Access Manager Admin Console and IDP servers before 4.3.3 have a URL that could be used by remote attackers to trigger unvalidated redirects to third party sites.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14802 affects Novell Access Manager Admin Console and Identity Provider servers prior to version 4.3.3, representing a significant security weakness in the authentication and access management infrastructure. This flaw manifests as an insufficient validation mechanism within the server's redirect functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted web requests. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interfaces and identity provider components that handle user authentication and authorization processes, potentially compromising the entire access control framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the URL handling mechanisms of the Novell Access Manager servers. When processing user requests, the system fails to properly validate redirect parameters, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that would be automatically followed by the server without proper verification. This unvalidated redirect behavior creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the authentication flow, potentially leading to phishing attacks or unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no specialized tools beyond basic web browsing capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14802 extends beyond simple redirect manipulation, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the broader security ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to redirect authenticated users to malicious sites, potentially capturing credentials or session tokens during the redirect process. The implications are particularly severe for administrative interfaces, where successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601, which specifically addresses URL redirect vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can create chain reactions in security systems. The attack vector falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566 for phishing and T1071 for application layer protocols, demonstrating how this flaw can be weaponized in multi-stage attack campaigns.
Organizations utilizing Novell Access Manager versions prior to 4.3.3 face significant risk exposure due to this vulnerability, as it directly impacts the trust relationship between users and the authentication system. The potential for credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized administrative access makes this a critical issue requiring immediate attention. Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the vendor-provided patches and updates, implementing additional validation controls at network boundaries, and monitoring for suspicious redirect patterns in web logs. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls with specific rules to detect and block malicious redirect attempts, while conducting thorough penetration testing to identify any additional related vulnerabilities in the authentication infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation practices in enterprise authentication systems, as even seemingly minor flaws can create significant security breaches.