CVE-2024-52287 in authentik
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2024
authentik is an open-source identity provider. When using the client_credentials or device_code OAuth grants, it was possible for an attacker to get a token from authentik with scopes that haven't been configured in authentik. authentik 2024.8.5 and 2024.10.3 fix this issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-52287 affects authentik, an open-source identity provider implementation that serves as a comprehensive solution for managing digital identities and access control. This security flaw manifests specifically within the OAuth 2.0 authorization framework when utilizing client_credentials or device_code grant types. The core issue lies in the improper scope validation mechanism that allows unauthorized access to resources beyond what has been explicitly configured within the authentik system. This represents a critical breakdown in the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure authentication and authorization processes.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate validation of scope parameters during token issuance for the affected OAuth grant flows. When an attacker submits a request using either client_credentials or device_code grants, the system fails to properly verify that the requested scopes align with those that have been configured and authorized within the authentik environment. This validation failure creates an opportunity for privilege escalation where malicious actors can obtain access tokens containing scopes that should not be available to them, potentially gaining access to sensitive resources or functionality that has not been properly authorized. The vulnerability operates at the authorization layer, specifically targeting the scope enforcement mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized access to protected resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it undermines the entire security model of the authentik identity provider. Attackers could potentially access resources that have not been explicitly granted to their applications or users, leading to unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the authenticated environment. The affected grant types are commonly used in machine-to-machine communications and device authentication scenarios where tokens are issued programmatically without user interaction, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for automated systems. This flaw could enable attackers to bypass security controls and access sensitive information or perform actions that should be restricted to authorized parties, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the entire identity management infrastructure.
The vulnerability has been addressed in authentik versions 2024.8.5 and 2024.10.3 through patches that strengthen the scope validation mechanisms for client_credentials and device_code OAuth grants. These updates implement proper scope verification that ensures tokens can only contain scopes that have been explicitly configured and authorized within the system. Organizations using authentik should immediately upgrade to these patched versions to mitigate the risk. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) catalog under CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts and credential access, as it allows unauthorized access through legitimate authentication mechanisms. The remediation process should include thorough testing of all affected OAuth grant flows to ensure that scope validation operates correctly and that no unauthorized scopes can be obtained through the token issuance process.