CVE-2026-9086
Description
A flaw was found in Keycloak. A remote attacker with administrative privileges, specifically those with manage-client permission or access to client registration endpoints, could bypass client Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) validation. This is achieved by registering a malicious client with a specially crafted redirect URI using a case-insensitive javascript: or data: scheme. This Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution in the Keycloak origin when a victim clicks the crafted link, such as in the logout flow or the Admin Console.
Statement
This flaw is rated as High. Keycloak's client URI validation is vulnerable to a case-insensitivity issue, allowing attackers to bypass scheme blocklists by using mixed-case javascript: or data: URIs. This can lead to cross-site scripting (XSS) in the Keycloak origin when a victim interacts with a crafted link, such as during the logout flow. Exploitation requires an authenticated administrator with manage-client privileges or access to client registration endpoints, and user interaction.
Mitigation
To mitigate this vulnerability, restrict the ability to register new clients and manage existing client configurations. If Dynamic Client Registration is not required, disable it in Keycloak's Realm Settings under Client Registration Policies. If Dynamic Client Registration is necessary, ensure that policies are strictly configured to prevent anonymous client registration and require initial access tokens for all client registrations. Additionally, limit the `manage-client` role to only trusted administrators. Changes to Keycloak configuration may require a service restart or redeployment to take effect.
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 | 7.3 | N/A | 7.3 |
| Attack Vector | Network | N/A | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | N/A | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | N/A | Low |
| User Interaction | Required | N/A | Required |
| Scope | Unchanged | N/A | Unchanged |
| Confidentiality | High | N/A | High |
| Integrity Impact | High | N/A | High |
| Availability Impact | None | N/A | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Access Control,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Bypass Protection Mechanism; Read Application Data
The most common attack performed with cross-site scripting involves the disclosure of private information stored in user cookies, such as session information. Typically, a malicious user will craft a client-side script, which -- when parsed by a web browser -- performs some activity on behalf of the victim to an attacker-controlled system (such as sending all site cookies to a given E-mail address). This could be especially dangerous to the site if the victim has administrator privileges to manage that site. This script will be loaded and run by each user visiting the web site. Since the site requesting to run the script has access to the cookies in question, the malicious script does also.
Integrity,Confidentiality,Availability
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands
In some circumstances it may be possible to run arbitrary code on a victim's computer when cross-site scripting is combined with other flaws, for example, "drive-by hacking."
Confidentiality,Integrity,Availability,Access Control
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Bypass Protection Mechanism; Read Application Data
The consequence of an XSS attack is the same regardless of whether it is stored or reflected. The difference is in how the payload arrives at the server. XSS can cause a variety of problems for the end user that range in severity from an annoyance to complete account compromise. Some cross-site scripting vulnerabilities can be exploited to manipulate or steal cookies, create requests that can be mistaken for those of a valid user, compromise confidential information, or execute malicious code on the end user systems for a variety of nefarious purposes. Other damaging attacks include the disclosure of end user files, installation of Trojan horse programs, redirecting the user to some other page or site, running "Active X" controls (under Microsoft Internet Explorer) from sites that a user perceives as trustworthy, and modifying presentation of content.
Acknowledgements
Red Hat would like to thank saku0512 for reporting this issue.
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