CVE-2024-0781 in Internet Banking System
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2024
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in CodeAstro Internet Banking System 1.0. This affects an unknown part of the file pages_client_signup.php. The manipulation of the argument Client Full Name with the input leads to open redirect. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier VDB-251697 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0781 represents a critical security flaw within the CodeAstro Internet Banking System version 1.0, specifically affecting the pages_client_signup.php component. This open redirect vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation when processing the Client Full Name parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the application's redirect functionality. The issue manifests when user-supplied data containing malicious redirect URLs is processed without proper sanitization or validation, allowing attackers to craft crafted inputs that can redirect users to arbitrary destinations. The vulnerability's classification as problematic stems from its potential for abuse in phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns where users might be unknowingly redirected to malicious websites that appear legitimate due to the banking system's trusted domain. This open redirect vulnerability exists in the authentication and registration flow of the internet banking application, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during user onboarding processes when individuals are most likely to trust the application interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the Client Full Name parameter within the pages_client_signup.php file, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input before using it in redirect operations. Attackers can craft malicious input strings that contain redirect URLs, potentially including protocol handlers like javascript: or data: schemes, which can be executed in vulnerable contexts. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network privileges to carry out attacks, as the flaw exists in the web application layer and can be triggered through standard web browser interactions. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-601 Open Redirect vulnerability category, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a weakness that allows web applications to redirect users to external sites without proper validation of the target URL. The attack vector operates through the standard HTTP request processing flow, where the application processes the user input and incorporates it into redirect logic without sufficient security controls to prevent malicious redirection attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks, as it can enable sophisticated phishing campaigns where users are redirected to carefully crafted malicious sites that mimic legitimate banking interfaces. The vulnerability's disclosure and public availability through identifier VDB-251697 increases the risk profile significantly, as it provides attackers with detailed information about the specific flaw and potential attack vectors. In banking environments, this vulnerability can lead to credential theft, financial fraud, and compromise of sensitive customer data, as users may be unknowingly redirected to phishing sites that attempt to capture login credentials or personal information. The attack could be amplified through various delivery mechanisms including malicious email attachments, compromised websites, or social media platforms, making it particularly dangerous for financial institutions that rely heavily on user trust and secure authentication processes. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the user authentication flow and can undermine the security posture of the entire internet banking system by creating potential entry points for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures within the application's user registration and authentication components. The primary defense involves ensuring that all user-supplied input, particularly parameters used in redirect operations, undergoes strict validation against known safe patterns and protocols. Implementing a whitelist approach for redirect URLs, where only pre-approved domains or paths are permitted, provides a robust defense against malicious redirection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing proper URL encoding and validation mechanisms that prevent the inclusion of suspicious protocols or malformed URLs in redirect operations. The application should enforce strict security headers including Content Security Policy directives that limit the sources from which redirects can occur. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities within the application's codebase, while implementing proper logging and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where the open redirect can serve as an initial access vector for more comprehensive attacks targeting banking customers and their financial data.