CVE-2023-24735 in PMB
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2023
PMB v7.4.6 was discovered to contain an open redirect vulnerability via the component /opac_css/pmb.php. This vulnerability allows attackers to redirect victim users to an external domain via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-24735 represents a critical open redirect flaw within PMB version 7.4.6, specifically within the /opac_css/pmb.php component. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-601, which categorizes open redirect vulnerabilities as those that permit attackers to redirect users to untrusted websites through manipulated URLs. The flaw exists in the application's handling of redirect parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit user trust and potentially execute social engineering attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) functionality of the system, which serves as a primary interface for users to access library resources and services.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the pmb.php component. When users navigate to specific URLs containing crafted redirect parameters, the application fails to properly verify or sanitize the destination URLs, allowing arbitrary domains to be specified as redirect targets. This weakness enables attackers to construct malicious URLs that appear legitimate but ultimately redirect users to phishing sites, malware distribution platforms, or other malicious destinations. The vulnerability operates by accepting user-supplied input that should only reference internal application paths but instead permits external domain references, creating a dangerous trust relationship between the application and external entities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to both end users and the organization maintaining the PMB system. Users who click on maliciously crafted links may be unknowingly redirected to sites designed to harvest credentials, install malware, or collect personal information. The attack vector is particularly effective because it leverages the legitimate application interface, making it difficult for users to distinguish between authentic and malicious redirects. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities are often exploited in phishing campaigns where attackers create convincing fake login pages or exploit the trust users place in familiar application interfaces. The impact extends beyond immediate user compromise to include potential data breaches, reputational damage, and regulatory compliance issues.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation controls that strictly validate redirect destinations against a whitelist of approved internal domains, implementing proper URL sanitization techniques, and conducting thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The remediation strategy should align with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, particularly focusing on secure coding practices and input validation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious redirect patterns can provide additional layers of defense. Security teams should also consider conducting user awareness training to help identify potential social engineering attempts that may exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user-supplied input and implementing proper access controls, as recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework's defense in depth principles.