CVE-2020-21998 Scanner

HomeAutomation is a widely used software solution designed for managing smart home devices, enabling users to control lighting, security systems, and appliances remotely. Typically employed by homeowners and facility managers, it allows for the seamless integration and automation of various Internet of Things (IoT) devices to improve energy efficiency and security. Built with ease of use in mind, it provides a user-friendly interface accessible from various platforms, including mobile devices and desktop computers. It is employed to create custom schedules and scenarios for automated tasks, enhancing convenience and optimizing resource consumption. The software supports a wide range of compatible devices, making it versatile in different environments. Due to its extensive capabilities, HomeAutomation is leveraged by both tech-savvy users and those seeking simple smart home management solutions without complex programming knowledge.

The Open Redirect vulnerability in HomeAutomation could allow attackers to redirect users to malicious websites, potentially exposing them to phishing attacks, credential theft, or malware infections. This flaw stems from inadequate validation of the 'redirect' GET parameter in 'api.php', which can be manipulated to serve unauthorized URLs. Open Redirect vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they exploit user trust in legitimate domains to lead them unwittingly to harmful content. Given the reliance on user interaction, successful exploitation requires users to click on a maliciously crafted link, often disseminated through social engineering strategies. As this vulnerability affects the way users interact with the application, it's crucial to address it to mitigate potential security risks. Understanding the nature of such vulnerabilities can aid in enhancing security defenses and preventing cyber threats effectively.

Technically, this vulnerability lies in the improper handling and verification of the 'redirect' GET parameter within the 'api.php' endpoint. When attackers craft a URL containing an unauthorized or deceptive redirect, the application fails to adequately sanitize or validate it before processing the request. This occurs due to the lack of robust input validation mechanisms that check whether the supplied URL aligns with the expected domain or path formats. Consequently, this weakness allows the creation of potentially harmful URLs embedded within legitimate site links, as users may not notice the redirection until they've reached an unintended destination. The issue is compounded when links are shared through email campaigns or on social media, where engagement rates are higher. Resolving such vulnerabilities involves implementing stringent input validation and output encoding practices within the application code.

The potential effects of exploiting the Open Redirect vulnerability in HomeAutomation include user exposure to phishing attacks, where personal information such as login credentials and financial data can be harvested. Moreover, users might be redirected to malware-laden websites, increasing the risk of compromise to their devices. In some cases, exploited redirection flaws could also degrade user trust in the application, harming the reputation of the service provider. Additionally, attackers may use such vulnerabilities to bypass security controls that depend on URL validation processes, further decreasing the effectiveness of perimeter defenses. Addressing this flaw helps prevent scenarios where coordinated attacks leverage multiple vulnerabilities for broader impact, making it a critical component of the overall security strategy.

REFERENCES

• https://www.zeroscience.mk/en/vulnerabilities/ZSL-2019-5559.php
• https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155795/HomeAutomation-3.3.2-Open-Redirect.html
• https://cxsecurity.com/issue/WLB-2019120132