CVE-2018-7307 in auth0.js Library
Summary
by MITRE
The Auth0 Auth0.js library before 9.3 has CSRF because it mishandles the case where the authorization response lacks the state parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2020
The Auth0 Auth0.js library vulnerability CVE-2018-7307 represents a critical cross-site request forgery weakness that undermines the security of authentication flows within web applications. This flaw exists in versions prior to 9.3 and stems from the library's improper handling of authorization responses that are missing the state parameter. The state parameter serves as a crucial security mechanism in OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect protocols, designed to prevent CSRF attacks by ensuring that authorization requests and responses remain linked to the original session. When the library fails to properly validate or handle the absence of this parameter, it creates an exploitable gap that malicious actors can leverage to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software systems. The flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious request that bypasses the state parameter validation, potentially allowing them to hijack authentication flows or manipulate user sessions. In the context of the Auth0.js library, this occurs because the library does not adequately enforce the presence of the state parameter in authorization responses, which should serve as a cryptographic nonce that binds the authentication request to the user's session. Without proper validation of this parameter, the library becomes vulnerable to attacks where an attacker can intercept or manipulate authorization responses to gain unauthorized access to user accounts or perform actions without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-7307 extends beyond simple authentication bypasses, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, account takeover, and other malicious activities within applications that rely on Auth0 for authentication services. This vulnerability affects any web application that integrates with Auth0's authentication library and fails to implement additional protective measures. The consequences can be severe for organizations, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive user information, and compromise of user accounts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer, where successful exploitation can provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to protected resources within the application ecosystem.
Organizations utilizing the affected Auth0.js library versions should prioritize immediate remediation through upgrading to version 9.3 or later, which implements proper state parameter validation. Security teams should also consider implementing additional protective measures such as implementing Content Security Policy headers, validating authorization response parameters beyond the state parameter, and monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the initial access phase through authentication bypass mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in authentication libraries can create significant security risks, emphasizing the importance of proper input validation and adherence to established security protocols in identity management systems. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their authentication flows and ensure proper testing of security controls in their integrated identity solutions.