CVE-2024-25148 in Liferay
Summary
by MITRE • 02/08/2024
In Liferay Portal 7.2.0 through 7.4.1, and older unsupported versions, and Liferay DXP 7.3 before service pack 3, 7.2 before fix pack 15, and older unsupported versions the `doAsUserId` URL parameter may get leaked when creating linked content using the WYSIWYG editor and while impersonating a user. This may allow remote authenticated users to impersonate a user after accessing the linked content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2024
This vulnerability exists in Liferay Portal and Liferay DXP versions ranging from 7.2.0 through 7.4.1 and their corresponding unsupported versions, as well as specific older releases. The flaw manifests when users create linked content through the WYSIWYG editor while impersonating another user, creating a security risk that could be exploited by remote authenticated attackers. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the `doAsUserId` URL parameter which contains user identification information that should not be exposed during content creation processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the WYSIWYG editor's content creation functionality where the system fails to properly sanitize or remove the `doAsUserId` parameter from URLs when generating linked content. This parameter typically contains the user identifier of the impersonated user, and its leakage allows attackers to reconstruct the impersonation context. When content is created and subsequently accessed, the leaked parameter can be used to establish the same user context, effectively allowing unauthorized users to assume the identity of other users who were impersonated during content creation. This represents a classic session management flaw that violates the principle of least privilege and proper access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables authenticated attackers to perform unauthorized user impersonation attacks. Attackers who gain access to linked content containing the leaked `doAsUserId` parameter can leverage this information to escalate their privileges and perform actions as the impersonated user. This could lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, depending on the permissions of the targeted user. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs during routine content creation activities, making it difficult to detect and monitor. According to CWE classification, this maps to CWE-200: Exposure of Sensitive Information and CWE-352: Cross-Site Request Forgery, as the leaked parameter could be exploited in various attack vectors.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper parameter sanitization and access control mechanisms within the WYSIWYG editor's content creation processes. Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided patches for Liferay Portal 7.2.0 through 7.4.1 and Liferay DXP 7.3 before service pack 3 and 7.2 before fix pack 15. Additionally, security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that URL parameters containing sensitive user information are properly handled and sanitized during content creation workflows. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in URL parameter usage, particularly those containing user identification information. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1566.001: Phishing and T1548.005: Hijacking, as it enables credential exposure and privilege escalation through manipulated content links. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege controls and regularly audit user impersonation activities to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive resources.