How the CVE Works:
The vulnerability arises due to improper authorization checks in multiple WSO2 products. Specifically, the system fails to enforce proper token mapping and validation, allowing protected APIs to be accessed using a refresh token instead of the required access token. Normally, access tokens are short-lived and used for API authentication, while refresh tokens are used to obtain new access tokens. However, in this case, an attacker with a valid refresh token (e.g., stolen from an admin user) can bypass authorization mechanisms and directly access protected APIs without requiring session cookies. Since refresh tokens typically have a longer lifespan, this vulnerability could lead to prolonged unauthorized access, compromising data confidentiality and integrity.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: WSO2
Version: Multiple
Vulnerability: Incorrect Authorization
Severity: Moderate
Date: Feb 27, 2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
- Obtain Refresh Token: Attackers can steal a valid refresh token through phishing, MITM attacks, or insecure storage.
- Bypass Authorization: Use the refresh token to directly access protected APIs without requiring an access token or session cookies.
- Prolonged Access: Exploit the longer expiration time of refresh tokens to maintain unauthorized access.
Protection:
- Patch Management: Apply the latest security patches from WSO2 to fix the vulnerability.
- Token Validation: Implement strict validation checks to ensure only access tokens are used for API access.
- Token Expiry: Reduce the lifespan of refresh tokens to minimize the impact of token theft.
- Secure Storage: Encrypt and securely store tokens to prevent theft.
Commands:
1. Check WSO2 Version:
wso2server.sh -version
2. Update WSO2:
wso2update.sh
Code Snippet (Token Validation):
if (!tokenType.equals("access_token")) {
throw new AuthorizationException("Invalid token type");
}
References:
Analytics:
- Impact: Moderate risk due to potential unauthorized API access.
- Attack Vector: Requires a valid refresh token, often obtained through social engineering or insecure systems.
- Mitigation Complexity: Low to moderate, depending on existing token management practices.
Additional Resources:
References:
Reported By: https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-6qjp-wm6g-m32r
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
Image Source:
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