CVE-2022-1019 in WebCtrl Server
Summary
by MITRE • 04/20/2022
Automated Logic's WebCtrl Server Version 6.1 'Help' index pages are vulnerable to open redirection. The vulnerability allows an attacker to send a maliciously crafted URL which could result in redirecting the user to a malicious webpage or downloading a malicious file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1019 affects Automated Logic's WebCtrl Server Version 6.1, specifically within the 'Help' index pages functionality. This represents a critical security flaw that falls under the category of open redirection vulnerabilities, which are classified as CWE-601 by the CWE database. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the web server's help system, where user-supplied parameters are not properly validated before being used in redirection operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that contain crafted redirection parameters, potentially leading to phishing attacks, malware distribution, or other malicious activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the web server's handling of help-related requests where it fails to validate the destination parameter before executing redirects. When users click on specially crafted links containing malicious redirection URLs, the server processes these inputs without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web pages. This flaw particularly affects the Help index pages functionality, which typically provides contextual assistance and links to external resources, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices and inadequate security controls in the web application's input processing mechanisms.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Automated Logic WebCtrl Server Version 6.1, as it can be exploited to conduct social engineering attacks against end-users. The impact extends beyond simple redirection, as attackers can leverage this weakness to deliver malicious payloads, steal user credentials, or conduct phishing campaigns that appear legitimate due to the trusted nature of the Help system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit and can be easily incorporated into larger attack campaigns. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive systems, data breaches, or reputational damage if users are redirected to malicious sites. The attack surface is broad since any user interacting with the Help system could potentially be compromised, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-1019 should focus on immediate patching of the affected WebCtrl Server Version 6.1, as Automated Logic has likely released security updates to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent untrusted input from being used in redirection operations, following the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices. Network segmentation and monitoring of traffic to help system endpoints can help detect anomalous redirection patterns. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should be implemented to train personnel on recognizing suspicious links and understanding the risks associated with clicking on untrusted URLs. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing through social engineering, and T1189 which addresses additional phishing techniques. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to prevent unauthorized redirections and monitor for suspicious URL patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.