CVE-2024-8527: Critical Open Redirect Flaw Threatens Automated Logic WebCTRL and Carrier i-Vu Systems

Overview

CVE-2024-8527 details an open redirect vulnerability found within the URL parameter of Automated Logic WebCTRL and Carrier i-Vu systems. This vulnerability affects versions 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0. An attacker could potentially exploit this flaw to redirect users to malicious websites, potentially compromising user sessions and leading to phishing attacks.

Technical Details

The vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of the URL parameter within the affected Automated Logic WebCTRL and Carrier i-Vu applications. An attacker can craft a malicious URL containing a redirect to an external, attacker-controlled domain. When a user clicks on this manipulated link, they are unknowingly redirected to the malicious website. This redirection can be used to steal credentials, install malware, or perform other malicious activities.

The core issue is the lack of proper input sanitization and validation on the URL parameter. The application fails to verify that the provided URL is within an acceptable domain, allowing for arbitrary redirection.

CVSS Analysis

Currently, the CVE entry lacks a CVSS score. This indicates that a formal risk assessment has not been completed and published yet. It is highly recommended that organizations monitor for updates to the CVE entry and conduct their own internal risk assessments to determine the potential impact on their specific environments.

Given the nature of open redirect vulnerabilities, and the potential for phishing and session hijacking, it is likely that upon scoring, the vulnerability will receive a moderate to high severity rating.

Possible Impact

Exploitation of CVE-2024-8527 can lead to several severe consequences:

• Phishing Attacks: Attackers can redirect users to fake login pages to steal their credentials.
• Malware Distribution: Redirected websites can be used to distribute malware to unsuspecting users.
• Session Hijacking: In some cases, successful redirection might allow an attacker to steal session cookies and hijack user sessions.
• Reputational Damage: A successful attack can damage the reputation of the organization using the vulnerable software.
• Compliance Violations: Data breaches resulting from the vulnerability can lead to compliance violations and potential fines.

Mitigation and Patch Steps

The primary mitigation strategy is to apply the security updates provided by Carrier for Automated Logic WebCTRL and Carrier i-Vu systems. Follow these steps:

1. Identify Affected Systems: Determine which WebCTRL and i-Vu systems within your organization are running versions 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 8.0, 8.5, or 9.0.
2. Review Carrier’s Advisory: Consult the official security advisory from Carrier for detailed information about the vulnerability and the recommended fix.
3. Apply Security Updates: Download and install the necessary security updates or patches provided by Carrier. Refer to Carrier’s documentation for specific installation instructions.
4. Verify the Patch: After applying the patch, verify that the vulnerability is resolved by performing a thorough security assessment.
5. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF): Consider implementing a WAF with rules to detect and block open redirect attempts.
6. User Education: Educate users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links and the importance of verifying the authenticity of websites.

Important Note: Please refer to Carrier’s official documentation for the most up-to-date and accurate instructions for patching your systems.