CVE-2018-20060 : What You Need to Know

Urllib3 before version 1.23 does not remove the Authorization HTTP header when following a cross-origin redirect, potentially exposing credentials to unintended hosts or transmitting them in plaintext.

Understanding CVE-2018-20060

This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in urllib3 that could lead to the exposure of sensitive credentials.

What is CVE-2018-20060?

Urllib3, prior to version 1.23, fails to remove the Authorization HTTP header when encountering a cross-origin redirect, allowing for potential credential exposure.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20060

The vulnerability may result in the exposure of credentials present in the Authorization header to unintended hosts or the transmission of credentials in plaintext.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20060

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

Urllib3 fails to remove the Authorization HTTP header during cross-origin redirects, potentially leading to credential exposure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises when urllib3 encounters a cross-origin redirect, failing to remove the Authorization header, thereby risking credential exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protective measures to address the CVE.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade urllib3 to version 1.23 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid transmitting sensitive credentials over insecure connections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure communication practices to prevent credential exposure.
Regularly monitor and update libraries and dependencies to address security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.