CVE-2018-20243 in Fineract
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2020
The implementation of POST with the username and password in the URL parameters exposed the credentials. More infomration is available in fineract jira issues 726 and 629.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-20243 represents a critical security flaw in the Fineract financial management platform where authentication credentials are transmitted through URL parameters during POST requests. This design decision exposes sensitive user information to various attack vectors and security risks that fundamentally compromise the integrity of the authentication process. The issue manifests when user credentials are included directly in the URL query string rather than being properly secured within the request body or headers, creating a dangerous exposure of authentication tokens and user identifiers.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper handling of authentication data within the web application architecture, specifically violating fundamental security principles for credential transmission. When credentials appear in URL parameters, they become susceptible to interception through multiple attack vectors including web server logs, browser history, referrer headers, and network monitoring tools. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-542, which addresses the disclosure of sensitive information through improper handling of authentication credentials, and CWE-312, which covers the exposure of sensitive data through cleartext transmission. The flaw represents a classic case of insecure credential handling that undermines the security model of the entire application stack.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential exposure, creating a comprehensive security risk that affects multiple layers of the application infrastructure. Attackers can exploit this weakness through simple network packet analysis, server log inspection, or by monitoring web traffic to capture authentication tokens and user credentials. The exposure occurs not only during transmission but also persists in server logs and browser history, creating long-term security implications for all users who have authenticated through this vulnerable endpoint. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol manipulation, and specifically targets the credential access phase of the attack lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate implementation flaw and establish long-term security practices for credential handling within the application. The primary fix involves modifying the application code to eliminate URL parameter usage for authentication credentials, instead implementing proper authentication mechanisms that utilize request bodies or secure header transmission. Organizations should implement comprehensive logging controls to prevent credential exposure in server logs, deploy web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious URL parameter patterns, and establish strict security policies for all API endpoints. Additionally, regular security testing should include verification of credential handling practices to prevent similar issues from reoccurring in future development cycles. The remediation process must also include user education regarding the risks of URL-based credential transmission and the importance of secure authentication practices in financial applications.