CVE-2022-47500 in Helix
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2022
URL Redirection to Untrusted Site ('Open Redirect') vulnerability in Apache Software Foundation Apache Helix UI component.This issue affects Apache Helix all releases from 0.8.0 to 1.0.4. Solution: removed the the forward component since it was improper designed for UI embedding. User please upgrade to 1.1.0 to fix this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2023
The CVE-2022-47500 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw within the Apache Helix UI component that enables attackers to manipulate URL redirection behavior in ways that can lead to phishing attacks and user deception. This vulnerability specifically impacts Apache Helix versions ranging from 0.8.0 through 1.0.4, creating a security risk where malicious actors can craft URLs that redirect users to untrusted external domains while appearing to originate from legitimate Helix interfaces. The flaw resides in the improper implementation of URL forwarding mechanisms within the user interface components, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Helix UI is embedded in other applications or accessed through web browsers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-601, which categorizes open redirect vulnerabilities as security flaws that can be exploited to redirect users to malicious websites, often used in social engineering campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of user-provided redirect parameters within the Helix UI framework. When users interact with the affected system, the application processes URL parameters that should be validated before being used for redirection purposes. The flawed design allows attackers to inject malicious URLs that bypass normal validation checks, enabling the system to redirect users to attacker-controlled domains without proper verification. This issue particularly affects web applications that rely on the UI component for embedding or integration purposes, where the forward component was improperly designed to handle external URL redirections. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and insufficient sanitization of redirect parameters, creating an attack surface that can be exploited through various means including crafted web requests or malicious links distributed through phishing campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-47500 extends beyond simple redirection attacks, potentially enabling sophisticated phishing operations that can compromise user credentials, steal sensitive information, or deliver malware to unsuspecting users. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create convincing fake login pages or malicious download sites that appear to be legitimate Helix interfaces, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users trust the Helix platform. The vulnerability affects all versions within the specified range, meaning organizations running these older versions face immediate risk exposure. When users click on maliciously crafted links, they may be redirected to sites that mimic the legitimate Helix interface, potentially capturing login credentials or other sensitive data. This risk is amplified in environments where Helix UI components are embedded in other web applications or accessed through corporate portals, as the attack surface expands beyond the direct Helix installation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the recommended mitigation strategy of upgrading to Apache Helix version 1.1.0, which contains the necessary fixes to resolve the improper forward component design. This upgrade addresses the root cause of the vulnerability by removing the flawed redirection mechanism and implementing proper validation controls for URL handling. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any instances where older versions may still be in use within their environments, particularly in embedded or integrated applications. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious redirect patterns, configuring proper URL validation rules within the application layer, and educating users about the risks of clicking on untrusted links. The remediation process should also involve reviewing all integration points where Helix UI components are embedded to ensure that no other vulnerable applications or systems are exposed through these interfaces. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web application development, particularly when handling user-provided data that may influence application behavior.