CVE-2019-0235 in OFBiz
Summary
by MITRE
Apache OFBiz 17.12.01 is vulnerable to some CSRF attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
Apache OFBiz version 17.12.01 contains a cross-site request forgery vulnerability that allows attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of HTTP request origins and lack of proper anti-CSRF token implementation within the application's web interface. The flaw exists in the application's session management and request processing mechanisms, where the system fails to adequately verify that requests originate from legitimate sources within the same site.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery flaws in web applications. The vulnerability manifests when authenticated users visit malicious websites or click on compromised links that trigger unauthorized actions within the OFBiz application. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute operations such as changing user passwords, modifying financial records, or creating new user accounts without proper authorization. The absence of CSRF tokens in critical endpoints means that malicious actors can craft requests that appear legitimate to the application's security mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations using Apache OFBiz for business process management and enterprise resource planning. The impact extends beyond simple data modification to potentially compromise entire business workflows and financial systems. Attackers could manipulate inventory records, alter customer data, or disrupt business operations through unauthorized transactions. The vulnerability affects all authenticated users within the application's session scope, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access the system simultaneously.
The attack surface for this vulnerability includes various administrative functions and user-facing interfaces within OFBiz. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique categorized under T1531, which involves the use of unauthorized commands to gain access to system resources. Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including the mandatory implementation of anti-CSRF tokens across all state-changing requests, proper validation of request origins, and enhanced session management protocols. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation improvements should be prioritized to address similar vulnerabilities in the application's architecture.
Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious cross-site requests, while ensuring that all user sessions are properly managed and terminated when appropriate. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and conducting thorough penetration testing to identify potential attack vectors within enterprise applications. Organizations should also establish proper incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts and minimize potential damage to their business operations and data integrity.