CVE-2024-8698
Description
A flaw exists in the SAML signature validation method within the Keycloak XMLSignatureUtil class. The method incorrectly determines whether a SAML signature is for the full document or only for specific assertions based on the position of the signature in the XML document, rather than the Reference element used to specify the signed element. This flaw allows attackers to create crafted responses that can bypass the validation, potentially leading to privilege escalation or impersonation attacks.
Statement
This vulnerability is of high severity due to its potential to facilitate privilege escalation and user impersonation in systems using SAML for authentication. The core issue stems from improper validation logic in Keycloak's signature validation method, which relies on the position of signatures rather than explicitly checking the referenced elements. By manipulating the XML structure, an attacker can bypass signature validation and inject an unsigned assertion while retaining a valid signed one. This allows unauthorized access to high-privileged accounts, leading to significant security risks in SAML-based identity providers and service providers.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7.7 | N/A | 7.7 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | High | N/A | High |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | Low |
| User Interaction | None | N/A | None |
| Scope | Changed | N/A | Changed |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | Low | N/A | Low |
| Availability Impact | Low | N/A | Low |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:L
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:L/A:L
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Access Control,Integrity,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Gain Privileges or Assume Identity; Modify Application Data; Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
An attacker could gain access to sensitive data and possibly execute unauthorized code.
Acknowledgements
Red Hat would like to thank Tanner Emek for reporting this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
