CVE-2018-11041 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Cloud Foundry UAA, versions later than 4.6.0 and prior to 4.19.0 except 4.10.1 and 4.7.5, and uaa-release versions later than v48 and prior to v60 except v55.1 and v52.9, have a vulnerability that allows for open redirects.

Understanding CVE-2018-11041

Versions of Cloud Foundry UAA between 4.6.0 and 4.19.0 (excluding 4.10.1 and 4.7.5) have a security issue related to open redirects.

What is CVE-2018-11041?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in Cloud Foundry UAA that enables open redirects due to inadequate validation of redirect URL values on a form parameter used for internal UAA redirects on the login page.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11041

The vulnerability allows an attacker to craft malicious links that, when clicked, redirect users to arbitrary websites after a successful login attempt, potentially leading to phishing attacks or the redirection to malicious content.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11041

Cloud Foundry UAA's vulnerability can be further understood through the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of validation of redirect URL values on a form parameter used for internal UAA redirects on the login page, enabling open redirects.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Cloud Foundry UAA
Vendor: Cloud Foundry
Versions Affected: later than 4.6.0 and prior to 4.19.0 except 4.10.1 and 4.7.5

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious link that, upon user interaction, redirects them to unintended and potentially harmful websites.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-11041, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Cloud Foundry promptly.
Monitor and restrict user interactions with external links.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing practices and the risks associated with clicking on unknown links.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Cloud Foundry.
Implement a robust patch management process to ensure timely application of security fixes.