CVE-2025-71454 in vtenext
Summary
by MITRE • 11/04/2026
vtenext before 25.02.2 contains a cross-site request forgery protection bypass because csrf_check() in include/utils/VteCsrf.php skips __csrf_token validation for non-POST requests. Attackers can induce a logged-in user to open a crafted link sending state-changing GET requests, which handlers read from $_REQUEST, performing actions as that user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2026
The vulnerability identified in vtexext prior to version 25.02.2 represents a critical failure in the implementation of Cross-Site Request Forgery protections within the application's core security layer. The root cause lies specifically in the csrf_check function located at include/utils/VteCsrf.php, which is responsible for validating anti-CSRF tokens before processing state-changing operations. In a robust security architecture, CSRF protection mechanisms must rigorously validate that incoming requests originate from legitimate users who have intentionally initiated those actions, typically by verifying a unique token embedded in forms or headers. However, the flawed implementation in this version of vtexext introduces a logic error where the validation routine explicitly skips the __csrf_token check for any request method other than POST. This oversight creates a significant security gap because it assumes that only POST requests can alter application state, which contradicts modern web development practices and HTTP standards.
This technical flaw allows attackers to exploit the vulnerability by crafting malicious links or embedding them in phishing emails, social engineering campaigns, or compromised websites. When a victim who is currently authenticated with an active session on vtexext clicks such a link, their browser automatically sends the associated GET request along with any stored cookies, including authentication tokens and session identifiers. Because the server-side validation logic ignores CSRF token verification for these non-POST requests, the application accepts the malicious input as legitimate. The handlers processing these requests read data directly from the $_REQUEST superglobal array, which aggregates parameters from both query strings and POST bodies without distinguishing their source or intent. Consequently, any action that relies on GET parameters to modify state can be triggered by an attacker without the victim's knowledge or consent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it enables unauthorized modification of application data through simple link clicks rather than complex exploit chains. Depending on the specific functionalities exposed via GET endpoints in vtexext, attackers could potentially alter user settings, delete records, change account configurations, or perform other destructive actions under the context of the authenticated victim. This undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as the application fails to distinguish between intentional user interactions and automated requests initiated by third parties. The reliance on $_REQUEST further exacerbates the risk because it does not enforce strict input validation based on expected data types or sources, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary parameters that manipulate backend logic.
To mitigate this vulnerability, immediate updates to vtexext version 25.02.2 or later are required, as these versions address the flawed CSRF token validation logic. In addition to upgrading, developers should enforce a strict policy where all state-changing operations utilize POST requests with proper Content-Type headers and mandatory CSRF token verification regardless of the HTTP method used for initial page loads. Implementing SameSite cookie attributes on session cookies can also provide an additional layer of defense by preventing browsers from sending these cookies in cross-site contexts. Furthermore, adopting industry-standard frameworks that handle CSRF protection automatically reduces the risk of manual implementation errors. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-352, which covers Cross-Site Request Forgery, and aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1078, specifically relating to valid accounts being used for unauthorized access or manipulation within an organization's environment.