CVE-2024-41264 in Casdoor
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2024
An issue discovered in casdoor v1.636.0 allows attackers to obtain sensitive information via the ssh.InsecureIgnoreHostKey() method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-41264 resides within the casdoor authentication platform version 1.636.0 and represents a critical security flaw that exposes systems to unauthorized information disclosure. Casdoor is a comprehensive identity and access management solution that provides authentication services for various applications and platforms. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the ssh.InsecureIgnoreHostKey() method, which is designed to handle SSH host key verification during secure connections. This method, when improperly implemented or invoked, creates an attack surface that allows malicious actors to bypass essential security protocols that normally validate the authenticity of SSH servers.
The technical flaw stems from the insecure handling of SSH host key verification within the casdoor framework. The InsecureIgnoreHostKey() method essentially disables the verification of SSH host keys, which is a fundamental security mechanism designed to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. When this method is called without proper safeguards, it allows connections to proceed even when the SSH server's host key cannot be verified against a trusted certificate authority or known host keys. This behavior creates a scenario where attackers can potentially intercept communications or establish connections to malicious SSH servers that appear legitimate to the client system. The vulnerability falls under the category of insecure cryptographic practices and weak security configurations as outlined in CWE-327 and CWE-326 respectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers exploiting this flaw can manipulate the authentication flow within casdoor to gain access to systems that should otherwise be protected by SSH host key verification. This weakness particularly affects environments where casdoor serves as a central authentication point for SSH-based services, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to backend systems. The implications are significant for organizations relying on casdoor for identity management, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and access sensitive resources that depend on SSH security protocols. This type of vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under T1566 (Phishing) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) where attackers leverage weakened authentication controls to gain system access.
Organizations utilizing casdoor version 1.636.0 must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves updating to a patched version of casdoor that properly handles SSH host key verification without disabling security features. Administrators should also review all configurations that utilize the ssh.InsecureIgnoreHostKey() method and ensure that host key verification is properly enforced. Additional mitigations include implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to SSH services and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of their SSH configurations to identify any other instances where insecure host key verification methods might be in use. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining proper cryptographic security practices and avoiding shortcuts in authentication mechanisms that could compromise entire system architectures.