CVE-2018-12621 in Eventum
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Eventum 3.5.0. /htdocs/switch.php has an Open Redirect via the current_page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12621 represents a critical open redirect flaw in Eventum version 3.5.0, specifically within the /htdocs/switch.php script. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the current_page parameter, which allows attackers to manipulate the application's redirect behavior. The vulnerability falls under CWE-601, which categorizes open redirect vulnerabilities as a serious security concern where applications fail to validate redirect URLs properly. Such flaws enable malicious actors to craft deceptive links that appear legitimate while redirecting users to malicious destinations, creating a significant risk for social engineering attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application processes user-supplied input through the current_page parameter without adequate validation of the target URL. This parameter is directly used in the redirect logic, allowing attackers to insert arbitrary URLs that will be executed as redirects. The flaw exists because the application does not perform proper URL validation or canonicalization checks before executing redirects, making it susceptible to attacks where attackers can specify any URL in the redirect parameter. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows for the exploitation of user trust through the legitimate application interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks, as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for more sophisticated social engineering campaigns. When users encounter links that appear to be legitimate application redirects, they may unknowingly navigate to malicious websites that could host phishing content, malware distribution points, or credential theft mechanisms. This opens the door for attackers to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or use the application as a vector for broader network infiltration. The attack surface is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users trust the application interface and may not scrutinize redirects as carefully as external links. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including email phishing campaigns, compromised web pages, or malicious advertisements that redirect users through the vulnerable application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12621 should focus on implementing proper input validation and redirect URL sanitization within the application code. The most effective approach involves validating all redirect URLs against a whitelist of approved domains or ensuring that any external redirects are explicitly confirmed by the user before execution. Security measures should include implementing strict URL validation logic that checks for proper domain ownership and prevents redirection to external domains unless explicitly authorized. Organizations should also consider implementing security headers such as Content Security Policy to prevent unauthorized redirects and ensure that the application enforces proper authentication and authorization checks before allowing any redirect operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Guidelines and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers phishing and social engineering attacks that often leverage open redirect vulnerabilities to establish initial access points.