CVE-2023-29129 in Mendix SAML
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2023
A vulnerability has been identified in Mendix SAML (Mendix 7 compatible) (All versions >= V1.17.3 = V1.16.4 = V2.3.0 = V2.2.0 = V3.3.1 = V3.1.9 = V3.3.0 = V3.1.8 < V3.3.0). The affected versions of the module insufficiently verifies the SAML assertions. This could allow unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass authentication and get access to the application.
This CVE entry describes the incomplete fix for CVE-2023-25957 in a specific non default configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-29129 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in Mendix SAML modules that affects multiple versions of the platform. This issue specifically targets the SAML assertion verification process within Mendix applications, creating a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized access to protected systems. The vulnerability exists in versions where the SAML module fails to properly validate the authenticity and integrity of SAML assertions, which are cryptographic documents that contain authentication information and are essential for secure single sign-on operations. The flaw is particularly concerning because it undermines the fundamental security mechanism that should protect application access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate SAML assertion validation logic within the Mendix SAML module. When SAML assertions are received from identity providers, the module should perform comprehensive verification checks including signature validation, timestamp verification, and audience restriction validation. However, in the affected versions, these validation steps are either missing or insufficiently implemented, allowing malicious actors to craft or manipulate SAML assertions that appear legitimate to the system. This incomplete verification process creates a scenario where attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms entirely, gaining access to applications that should require proper authentication. The vulnerability operates at the identity and access management level, directly impacting the core security controls that govern user access to enterprise applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-29129 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it represents a complete breakdown in the authentication security model. Organizations using affected Mendix versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive business applications, customer data, and internal systems that rely on SAML-based authentication. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple major versions of the Mendix SAML module, indicating a widespread issue that would impact numerous enterprise deployments. This authentication bypass could enable attackers to perform actions such as data exfiltration, system manipulation, and privilege escalation, depending on the access controls within the affected applications. The risk is amplified when considering that SAML is commonly used for enterprise applications where sensitive data and critical business functions are hosted.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.002 for spearphishing via social media. The incomplete fix for CVE-2023-25957 indicates that previous remediation efforts were insufficient, suggesting a pattern of security implementation gaps in the SAML module's authentication flow. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the Mendix SAML module, reviewing and strengthening SAML configuration parameters, and implementing additional monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive security testing and validation of authentication mechanisms, particularly when addressing previously identified security flaws. Security teams must also consider implementing network-level controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems to detect potential exploitation attempts, while conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential authentication bypass opportunities within their Mendix applications and related infrastructure.