CVE-2022-24776 in Flask-AppBuilder
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2022
Flask-AppBuilder is an application development framework, built on top of the Flask web framework. Flask-AppBuilder contains an open redirect vulnerability when using database authentication login page on versions below 3.4.5. This issue is fixed in version 3.4.5. There are currently no known workarounds.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24776 represents a critical open redirect flaw within Flask-AppBuilder, a popular web application development framework that extends Flask's functionality. This framework is widely utilized for building administrative interfaces and web applications that require database-backed authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests in authentication login pages where the application fails to properly validate redirect URLs, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to redirect users to unauthorized or malicious websites. The flaw affects all versions of Flask-AppBuilder prior to 3.4.5, making it a significant concern for organizations that have not yet upgraded their implementations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the authentication flow of Flask-AppBuilder applications. When users attempt to log in through the database authentication system, the framework processes redirect parameters without sufficient sanitization or verification of the target URLs. This allows attackers to craft malicious login requests that include crafted redirect URLs, potentially leading to phishing attacks or credential theft. The vulnerability falls under CWE-601, which specifically addresses open redirect vulnerabilities, where applications fail to validate redirect destinations and inadvertently allow attackers to redirect users to malicious sites. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the authentication layer where users are most likely to enter credentials, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to harvest sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection, as it creates a pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the broader security landscape. Attackers could leverage this flaw to create convincing phishing pages that appear to be legitimate authentication portals, potentially capturing user credentials or other sensitive information. The vulnerability's presence in database authentication systems means that it could affect applications with varying levels of security sensitivity, from simple administrative interfaces to complex enterprise applications that rely on robust authentication mechanisms. This open redirect vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves social engineering through phishing attacks, and could significantly weaken an organization's overall security posture by enabling credential harvesting attacks.
Organizations utilizing Flask-AppBuilder versions prior to 3.4.5 must prioritize immediate remediation efforts to address this vulnerability. The most effective mitigation strategy involves upgrading to version 3.4.5 or later, which includes proper URL validation and sanitization measures that prevent unauthorized redirects. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all Flask-AppBuilder implementations to identify systems that may be affected by this vulnerability. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous redirect patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. While no workarounds are currently available, organizations should implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious redirect parameters. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping web application frameworks up-to-date and maintaining robust security practices throughout the application lifecycle.