CVE-2022-33146 in web2py
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2022
Open redirect vulnerability in web2py versions prior to 2.22.5 allows a remote attacker to redirect a user to an arbitrary web site and conduct a phishing attack by having a user to access a specially crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-33146 represents a critical open redirect flaw affecting web2py versions prior to 2.22.5, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in web application input validation and URL handling mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-601, specifically addressing open redirect vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied redirection parameters. The flaw enables malicious actors to craft deceptive URLs that appear legitimate to users while redirecting them to attacker-controlled domains, creating a significant vector for social engineering and phishing campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of redirect URLs within the web2py framework's routing mechanisms. When users encounter a maliciously crafted URL containing an unsafe redirect parameter, the application fails to properly verify the target domain against a whitelist of approved destinations. This allows attackers to manipulate the redirect behavior by inserting arbitrary URLs into the application's redirect parameters, bypassing the application's intended navigation flow. The vulnerability specifically affects the application's handling of user-provided redirect URLs without adequate sanitization or domain validation checks.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-33146 extends beyond simple phishing attacks, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated method for conducting credential theft campaigns and spreading malware through seemingly legitimate web applications. Users who unknowingly click on malicious links may be redirected to phishing pages that closely mimic the original application's interface, increasing the likelihood of successful credential compromise. The vulnerability creates a trust relationship exploitation scenario where users' implicit trust in the legitimate application is leveraged to gain access to sensitive information or system resources.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by upgrading to web2py version 2.22.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and URL sanitization measures. The mitigation strategy should also incorporate defensive programming practices such as implementing strict domain whitelisting for redirect parameters, using absolute URLs instead of relative paths, and employing proper URL encoding techniques. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications or systems that may be susceptible to similar open redirect vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying URLs before clicking on suspicious links, as this vulnerability can be effectively exploited through social engineering techniques that rely on user trust and behavioral patterns. The remediation process should also involve implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and block suspicious redirect attempts, while adhering to the ATT&CK framework's guidance for preventing and detecting web application vulnerabilities through proper input validation and access control measures.