CVE-2023-6552 in TasmoAdmin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2024
Lack of "current" GET parameter validation during the action of changing a language leads to an open redirect vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6552 represents a critical security flaw in web applications that fail to properly validate the "current" GET parameter during language switching operations. This issue manifests as an open redirect vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors to redirect users to unintended destinations. The flaw specifically occurs when applications do not validate the input provided in the current parameter, allowing attackers to manipulate the redirect behavior and potentially direct users to phishing sites or malicious domains. According to CWE-601, this vulnerability falls under the category of Open Redirect, which is classified as a high-risk security weakness that can be leveraged for various attack vectors including social engineering and credential theft. The vulnerability directly impacts the application's authentication and session management processes by creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate user navigation and potentially capture sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the language change functionality of web applications. When users attempt to switch languages through URL parameters, the application should validate that the redirect target is within the legitimate application domain or explicitly authorized. However, in vulnerable implementations, the system accepts the current parameter without proper sanitization or domain verification, allowing attackers to inject malicious URLs. This flaw typically occurs in applications that use simple redirect functions without proper parameter validation, often implemented using basic string concatenation or direct parameter passing without security checks. The vulnerability can be exploited through various means including crafted URLs in email phishing campaigns, malicious advertisements, or social engineering attacks where users are tricked into clicking on seemingly legitimate links that redirect to attacker-controlled domains. The open redirect vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to bypass security controls and potentially escalate their attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user trust and session management are critical components of the security architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-6552 extends beyond simple redirection attacks and can significantly compromise user security and application integrity. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create convincing phishing campaigns that appear legitimate, as the redirect often occurs through trusted application interfaces. The vulnerability can be exploited to harvest credentials, inject malware, or perform other malicious activities that would otherwise be prevented by proper security controls. Users may unknowingly navigate to malicious sites while believing they are simply changing their language preferences, creating a deceptive attack vector that bypasses traditional security measures. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 - Phishing and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as it enables attackers to manipulate user navigation and potentially establish persistent access through credential theft or malware delivery. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where users may be directed to sites that can harvest sensitive corporate information or establish backdoors for further attacks, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6552 require implementing robust input validation and parameter sanitization mechanisms within the language switching functionality. Applications should validate that redirect parameters originate from legitimate sources within the application domain or maintain a strict allowlist of approved redirect destinations. The recommended approach involves implementing domain validation checks that ensure any redirect target is either within the same domain or explicitly authorized through a configuration mechanism. Security controls should include proper URL sanitization, parameter validation, and the implementation of secure redirect functions that prevent arbitrary URL redirection. Organizations should also implement monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual redirect patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The solution requires comprehensive code review and testing to ensure that all redirect mechanisms properly validate input parameters and that the language switching functionality does not inadvertently expose the application to open redirect vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, as this type of flaw often indicates broader input validation issues that may affect other functional areas of the application.