CVE-2024-41808 in openobserve
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2024
The OpenObserve open-source observability platform provides the ability to filter logs in a dashboard by the values uploaded in a given log. However, all versions of the platform through 0.9.1 do not sanitize user input in the filter selection menu, which may result in complete account takeover. It has been noted that the front-end uses `DOMPurify` or Vue templating to escape cross-site scripting (XSS) extensively, however certain areas of the front end lack this XSS protection. When combining the missing protection with the insecure authentication handling that the front-end uses, a malicious user may be able to take over any victim's account provided they meet the exploitation steps. As of time of publication, no patched version is available.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The OpenObserve observability platform presents a critical security vulnerability in versions up to 091 where inadequate input sanitization creates a pathway for complete account takeover. This vulnerability stems from insufficient protection in the filter selection menu functionality that processes user-provided values for log filtering operations. The platform's frontend implementation demonstrates inconsistent security practices where DOMPurify and Vue templating are properly employed in most areas to prevent cross-site scripting attacks, yet critical components remain unprotected against malicious input injection. The vulnerability specifically manifests in how the frontend handles authentication state management and user input processing within the dashboard filtering interface.
The technical flaw represents a classic insecure input handling scenario that aligns with CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting and CWE-352 - Cross-Site Request Forgery patterns. The missing XSS protection in the filter selection menu creates an exploitation vector where malicious actors can inject crafted payloads that manipulate the frontend behavior. When combined with the platform's insecure authentication handling mechanisms, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute unauthorized actions on behalf of legitimate users. The exploitation process requires a victim to interact with a maliciously crafted filter value, which then triggers the execution of malicious JavaScript code within the victim's browser context. This creates a session hijacking scenario where the attacker can assume the victim's identity and gain full access to their account privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise through unauthorized access to sensitive observability data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access logs, metrics, and monitoring information that may contain system credentials, application data, or security event details. The lack of a patched version at the time of publication creates an ongoing risk for organizations relying on OpenObserve versions 091 and earlier, particularly in environments where observability data may contain sensitive operational information. This vulnerability affects the platform's core dashboard functionality and undermines the trust model that observability systems rely upon for secure monitoring operations.
Organizations using affected OpenObserve versions should immediately implement compensating controls including network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious filter usage patterns, and restricting access to dashboard functionalities where possible. The recommended mitigation strategy involves either upgrading to a patched version once available or implementing additional input validation layers at the application level. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of frontend components to identify other areas potentially vulnerable to similar input sanitization issues. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of consistent security practices across all frontend components and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation beyond just the most obvious attack vectors. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical nature of secure coding practices and the potential for seemingly minor frontend security gaps to create significant operational risks.