CVE-2023-40017 in GeoNode
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2023
GeoNode is an open source platform that facilitates the creation, sharing, and collaborative use of geospatial data. In versions 3.2.0 through 4.1.2, the endpoint `/proxy/?url=` does not properly protect against server-side request forgery. This allows an attacker to port scan internal hosts and request information from internal hosts. A patch is available at commit a9eebae80cb362009660a1fd49e105e7cdb499b9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-40017 affects GeoNode, an open source geospatial data platform, specifically within versions 3.2.0 through 4.1.2. This issue resides in the `/proxy/?url=` endpoint which serves as a proxy mechanism for accessing external resources while potentially exposing internal network infrastructure to unauthorized access. The flaw represents a critical security oversight that undermines the platform's intended network isolation and access controls, creating significant operational risks for organizations relying on GeoNode for geospatial data management and sharing.
The technical flaw manifests as insufficient input validation and sanitization within the proxy endpoint implementation. When users provide URLs to the `/proxy/?url=` endpoint, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters before forwarding requests to target servers. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-918, Server-Side Request Forgery, which occurs when applications improperly handle user-supplied URLs or parameters that can be manipulated to make requests to internal services. The proxy functionality, designed to act as a gateway for external data access, becomes a vector for attackers to bypass normal network security controls and directly interact with internal systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, enabling attackers to perform port scanning activities against internal hosts that would normally be protected by network firewalls and access controls. Through careful manipulation of the proxy endpoint, malicious actors can enumerate internal services, identify running applications, and potentially discover vulnerable internal systems that are not directly exposed to the internet. This capability allows for reconnaissance activities that would otherwise require direct network access or more sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to map internal network topologies and identify potential targets for further exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where internal networks contain sensitive systems and applications.
Organizations using affected GeoNode versions should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to the patched version referenced in commit a9eebae80cb362009660a1fd49e105e7cdb499b9. Additional protective measures include implementing strict input validation for proxy endpoints, configuring network-level restrictions to prevent internal network access from the proxy server, and employing network segmentation strategies to isolate the proxy functionality from critical internal systems. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring and logging for proxy endpoint usage to detect anomalous patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1566.001 for Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment. Organizations should also review their overall security posture and consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional protection against similar vulnerabilities in other application components.