CVE-2017-18380 in edx-platform
Summary
by MITRE
edx-platform before 2017-08-03 allows attackers to trigger password-reset e-mail messages in which the reset link has an attacker-controlled domain name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18380 affects the edx-platform version prior to 2017-08-03, representing a critical security flaw in the password reset functionality of the educational platform. This issue falls under the category of insecure direct object reference and improper input validation, as described by CWE-640 and CWE-20 respectively. The vulnerability stems from the platform's failure to properly validate and sanitize domain names used in password reset email links, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the reset process through malicious domain redirection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft specially formatted password reset requests that contain attacker-controlled domain names within the reset link. When legitimate users receive these manipulated reset emails, they are directed to domains controlled by the attacker rather than the legitimate platform domain. This manipulation occurs at the email generation stage where the platform constructs reset URLs without adequate domain validation, enabling attackers to substitute their own domain names in the generated links. The flaw essentially creates a phishing vector where users are tricked into believing they are accessing legitimate password reset pages while actually being directed to attacker-controlled infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to intercept user credentials and potentially gain unauthorized access to educational accounts. This type of attack aligns with the tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566 for credential harvesting through social engineering and T1190 for exploitation of web applications. The vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions relying on edx-platform for course management, as compromised user accounts can lead to unauthorized access to course materials, student data, and administrative functions. Attackers can leverage this flaw to conduct large-scale credential theft campaigns targeting educational users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18380 should focus on implementing strict domain validation mechanisms within the password reset email generation process. Organizations should ensure that all reset links are generated using only verified and legitimate domain names, with proper input sanitization and validation checks. The platform should implement a whitelist approach for domain names used in reset links, rejecting any external domain references that do not match the configured legitimate domains. Additionally, security measures should include monitoring for unusual patterns in password reset requests and implementing rate limiting to prevent abuse of the reset functionality. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar validation flaws in other components of the platform, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem.