CVE-2024-51112 in Pnetlab
Summary
by MITRE • 01/06/2025
Open Redirect vulnerability in Pnetlab 5.3.11 allows an attacker to manipulate URLs to redirect users to arbitrary external websites via a crafted script
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-51112 represents an open redirect flaw discovered in Pnetlab version 5.3.11, a network laboratory platform used for educational and training purposes. This security weakness enables malicious actors to manipulate URL parameters in a way that redirects users to unintended external destinations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's redirect handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that bypass normal security checks and direct users to potentially harmful websites.
From a technical perspective, the flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate redirect URLs before processing them, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject arbitrary domain names or paths into the redirect parameter. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-601, which specifically addresses URL redirect vulnerabilities where applications fail to validate redirect targets, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for the initial access phase. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering tactics, where users might be tricked into clicking seemingly legitimate links that actually redirect to phishing sites or malware distribution points.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the network infrastructure. When users are redirected to malicious sites, they may unknowingly provide credentials or download malware, potentially compromising the entire network laboratory environment. The attack surface is significant given that Pnetlab is often used in educational institutions and training environments where users may be less vigilant about security practices. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to bypass security controls, as users may trust the legitimate application interface while unknowingly visiting malicious domains.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-51112 should focus on implementing strict input validation and whitelisting of redirect destinations. Organizations should ensure that all redirect parameters are validated against a predetermined list of approved domains or implement absolute URL validation to prevent redirection to external sites. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls with specific rules to detect and block suspicious redirect patterns. The most effective long-term solution involves updating to the patched version of Pnetlab 5.3.11 or applying the vendor-provided security patches. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual redirect patterns and user behavior anomalies that might indicate exploitation attempts, while user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying URLs before clicking on links, particularly in network laboratory environments where trust in the application interface may be high.