CVE-2024-26318 in Serenity
Summary
by MITRE • 02/19/2024
Serenity before 6.8.0 allows XSS via an email link because LoginPage.tsx permits return URLs that do not begin with a / character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-26318 affects Serenity versions prior to 6.8.0 and represents a cross-site scripting weakness that arises from improper validation of return URLs within the login page implementation. This flaw exists in the LoginPage.tsx component where the application fails to adequately sanitize or validate the return URL parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into the application's authentication flow. The vulnerability specifically occurs when the return URL does not begin with a forward slash character, which indicates the application's insufficient input validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the application's trust model where it accepts any URL provided in the return parameter without proper sanitization or domain verification. This allows an attacker to craft malicious links that could redirect users to phishing sites or execute malicious scripts in the context of the authenticated session. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws, specifically targeting the improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of output encoding and input validation that enables attackers to inject malicious content into web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can facilitate session hijacking, credential theft, and phishing attacks that exploit the trust users place in the authentication system. When users are redirected through a malicious return URL, they may unknowingly provide credentials to attacker-controlled domains or have their session cookies stolen. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may be authenticated to sensitive systems and the attack could escalate to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. This weakness can be exploited through social engineering campaigns where attackers craft convincing email links that appear legitimate but redirect to malicious destinations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict URL validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's authentication flow. The recommended approach involves enforcing that all return URLs must begin with a forward slash character or be validated against a whitelist of trusted domains. Security controls should include input validation that checks the format of return URLs and ensures they conform to expected patterns before being processed. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding for all dynamic content and using Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for URL handling and ensuring that authentication flows properly validate and sanitize all user-provided input. The fix should align with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks and T1071 which addresses application layer protocols, as these attack vectors commonly exploit such authentication bypass vulnerabilities.