CVE-2024–55471: Analyzing the IDOR Vulnerability in Oqtane Framework

Introduction

Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerabilities are a critical issue in web application security, frequently appearing in the OWASP Top 10 under Broken Access Control (A01:2021).

CVE-2024–55471 highlights a flaw in the Oqtane framework, specifically in the Oqtane.Controllers.UserController.Get endpoint. This blog provides an in-depth analysis of the vulnerability, its impact, and remediation steps, making it accessible to cybersecurity researchers and aspiring VAPT testers alike.

Summary

CVE-2024–55471 is an IDOR vulnerability discovered in the Oqtane.Controllers.UserController.Get endpoint. Due to inadequate authorization checks, attackers can manipulate the id parameter in API requests to access sensitive user data. This serves as a cautionary example of the risks of weak access control.

Key Details

• Endpoint: http://localhost:5000/api/User/{id}?siteid=1
• Component: Oqtane.Controllers.UserController.Get
• Vulnerability: Insufficient server-side authorization checks enable attackers to retrieve unauthorized data by tampering with the id parameter.

Exploitation Example

An attacker can send a crafted request to exploit this vulnerability:

GET http://localhost:5000/api/User/1001?siteid=1

By altering the id parameter (e.g., changing 1001 to 1002), the attacker gains unauthorized access to data belonging to another user.

Impact

The potential risks associated with CVE-2024–55471 include:

1. Unauthorized Data Access: Sensitive user information can be accessed without proper permissions.
2. Privacy Breach: Compromised user privacy can lead to reputational damage and legal consequences.
3. Application Integrity Risks: Trust in the application’s security is diminished.
4. Further Exploitation Potential: This vulnerability can facilitate attacks like privilege escalation or account takeover.

Technical Details

The root cause lies in the UserController.Get endpoint’s lack of robust server-side authorization checks. Requests are processed without verifying whether the requesting user has permission to access the specified id. This oversight allows attackers to exploit the vulnerability by modifying the request parameter.

Mitigation

Addressing this vulnerability involves implementing the following measures:

1. Enforce Authorization Checks Ensure that server-side validation verifies user permissions for accessing or modifying data associated with a specific id.
2. Use Indirect References Replace direct object references (e.g., user IDs) with indirect references, such as tokens or hashed values.
3. Adopt Secure Development Practices Incorporate proper input validation, authentication, and authorization checks during API development.
4. Conduct Regular Security Assessments Periodically test applications for vulnerabilities through penetration testing and code reviews.
5. Apply Timely Security Patches Keep systems updated with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities promptly.

Conclusion

CVE-2024–55471 underscores the importance of robust access control in protecting sensitive data. By adhering to secure coding practices, implementing stringent authorization mechanisms, and proactively addressing security gaps, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities.

Users of Oqtane Version 6.0.0 or earlier are strongly advised to update their systems immediately.

Special thanks

This discovery was a collaborative effort. I extend my gratitude to Rudra Brahmbhatt and Kaushikjoshi for their invaluable contributions. Together, we identified and addressed a significant vulnerability, enhancing application security for the community.