CVE-2020-15660 in geckodriver
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2021
Missing checks on Content-Type headers in geckodriver before 0.27.0 could lead to a CSRF vulnerability, that might, when paired with a specifically prepared request, lead to remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15660 represents a critical security flaw in geckodriver versions prior to 0.27.0 that stems from inadequate validation of Content-Type headers within the WebDriver protocol implementation. This issue specifically affects the Firefox WebDriver component that enables automated browser control and testing capabilities. The missing Content-Type header validation creates a pathway for cross-site request forgery attacks where malicious actors can manipulate HTTP requests to execute unauthorized operations against vulnerable systems. The flaw resides in the protocol handling layer where geckodriver fails to properly verify the content type of incoming requests before processing them, allowing attackers to craft requests that bypass normal security boundaries. This vulnerability operates at the application layer of the OSI model and directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of automated browser testing environments. The issue is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors to achieve remote code execution, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on automated testing frameworks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation that aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security. The flaw manifests when geckodriver processes WebDriver commands without adequately verifying the Content-Type header of incoming requests, allowing attackers to submit requests with malicious content that could be interpreted as legitimate WebDriver commands. This creates a scenario where an attacker could potentially send crafted requests that appear to originate from legitimate sources within the same domain, exploiting the trust relationship between the WebDriver interface and the browser automation framework. The vulnerability can be leveraged through various attack vectors including social engineering campaigns that trick users into visiting malicious websites or through direct exploitation of exposed WebDriver endpoints. The attack surface expands when considering that many automated testing environments expose WebDriver interfaces without proper authentication or authorization controls, making the vulnerability more accessible to threat actors. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing commands through legitimate system interfaces, as the vulnerability enables attackers to execute commands via the browser automation interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-15660 extends beyond simple CSRF attacks to encompass full system compromise in environments where automated testing frameworks are improperly configured or exposed. Organizations utilizing geckodriver for automated testing, web application security testing, or continuous integration pipelines face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability can be exploited to perform actions such as navigating to malicious websites, capturing sensitive information, manipulating browser sessions, or executing arbitrary commands on the target system. When combined with other vulnerabilities or attack techniques, the potential for remote code execution becomes a serious threat that could lead to complete system compromise. The impact is particularly severe in development environments where WebDriver interfaces may be exposed to untrusted networks or where insufficient network segmentation exists between automated testing components and production systems. Security teams must consider the implications for both internal and external threat actors who could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to automated testing environments and potentially move laterally within network infrastructures. The vulnerability also affects continuous integration and deployment pipelines that rely on browser automation, creating potential attack vectors for supply chain compromises.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-15660 require immediate remediation through upgrading to geckodriver version 0.27.0 or later, which includes proper Content-Type header validation and CSRF protection mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to WebDriver interfaces, ensuring that these endpoints are not exposed to untrusted networks or the public internet. Additional protective measures include implementing proper authentication and authorization controls for WebDriver access, utilizing secure communication protocols such as HTTPS, and regularly monitoring access logs for suspicious activity. Security configurations should enforce strict Content-Type header validation at the network level and application level to prevent similar vulnerabilities from manifesting in other components. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their automated testing environments to identify and remediate similar issues that may exist in other browser automation tools or testing frameworks. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to ensure that all components within the automated testing infrastructure remain protected against known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing robust input validation mechanisms and proper security controls in all components of automated testing environments, particularly those that interface with browser automation frameworks.