CVE-2019-14255 in go-camo
Summary
by MITRE
A Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in go-camo up to version 1.1.4 allows a remote attacker to perform HTTP requests to internal endpoints.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2023
The CVE-2019-14255 vulnerability represents a critical server side request forgery flaw in the go-camo proxy application version 1.1.4 and earlier. This vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the application's URL handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the proxy to make unintended HTTP requests to internal network resources. The go-camo application is designed to act as a caching proxy for external web content, but the SSRF vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially access internal systems that should remain isolated from external exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize URL parameters passed through its proxy interface. When users submit URLs for processing through the go-camo service, the application does not adequately filter or restrict the destinations to which these requests can be directed. This allows an attacker to craft malicious requests that include internal IP addresses or hostnames, causing the proxy server to forward requests to internal endpoints that are typically protected by network segmentation and firewall rules. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of URL schemes and host specifications, creating a path for attackers to perform unauthorized network reconnaissance and potentially exploit internal services.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a potential gateway for internal network reconnaissance and exploitation. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to scan internal network ports, probe for running services, and potentially access sensitive internal systems such as databases, administrative interfaces, or other internal APIs that are normally protected from external access. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-918, which defines Server-Side Request Forgery as a weakness where applications fail to properly validate and restrict the destinations of HTTP requests initiated by the application. The attack vector enables adversaries to perform actions that would normally be restricted by network security controls, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries of the network infrastructure.
The implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning in environments where go-camo is deployed as a public-facing service, as it provides a direct pathway for attackers to explore internal network topology and identify potential targets for further exploitation. Organizations using this proxy application are at risk of unauthorized access to internal systems, data leakage, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the proxy's URL parameter handling, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise. This represents a significant risk to organizations that rely on go-camo for content caching and proxy services without implementing additional network segmentation or request filtering mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1071.004, which covers Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as the attack leverages the proxy's ability to resolve and forward requests to internal DNS services and other network endpoints, potentially enabling further reconnaissance and exploitation activities. Organizations should implement proper input validation, network segmentation, and access controls to prevent unauthorized internal network access through this and similar proxy vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of patched versions of go-camo, implementation of strict URL validation and whitelisting policies, and network segmentation to isolate the proxy service from critical internal systems. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional layers of security such as firewall rules that restrict outbound connections from the proxy server and monitoring systems that can detect anomalous proxy behavior patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in application design, ensuring that proxy services do not inadvertently provide attackers with pathways to internal network resources.