CVE-2017-6059 in OpenID Connect Authentication Module
Summary
by MITRE
Mod_auth_openidc.c in the Ping Identity OpenID Connect authentication module for Apache (aka mod_auth_openidc) before 2.14 allows remote attackers to spoof page content via a malicious URL provided to the user, which triggers an invalid request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2022
The CVE-2017-6059 vulnerability resides within the Ping Identity OpenID Connect authentication module for Apache web servers, specifically in the Mod_auth_openidc.c component. This authentication module implements the OpenID Connect protocol to enable single sign-on functionality for web applications. The flaw manifests as a security issue in how the module handles user redirection and URL validation during the authentication process. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious URLs that appear legitimate to users but contain crafted parameters that manipulate the authentication flow.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the OpenID Connect authentication flow. When users are redirected to the authentication server, the module fails to properly validate the URLs provided in the redirect parameters. This allows attackers to inject malicious content into the authentication process, potentially leading to content spoofing or manipulation of the authentication response. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 2.14 of the mod_auth_openidc module, indicating that the issue was introduced in the authentication handling logic and subsequently patched in the newer release.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6059 is significant for organizations relying on OpenID Connect authentication for their web applications. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can manipulate the authentication flow to present spoofed content to users, potentially leading to credential theft, session hijacking, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability creates a trust relationship disruption where legitimate users might be redirected to malicious sites that appear to be part of the authentication process, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where user authentication security is paramount. This type of attack could bypass traditional security controls and directly compromise user sessions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to mod_auth_openidc version 2.14 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the URL validation issues. Additionally, administrators should monitor authentication logs for unusual redirect patterns and implement proper URL validation mechanisms at the network level. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566 for spearphishing with malicious links. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious URL patterns and establish comprehensive monitoring protocols to identify unauthorized modifications to authentication flows. Regular security assessments of authentication modules and proactive patch management are essential to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.