Tolgee API Security Misconfiguration Scanner

Tolgee API is an open-source localization tool used by developers for translating software and applications. It allows developers to streamline the translation process in web projects, making it easier to manage different languages. The software is often used by teams working on internationalization within their applications. Companies and developers who manage multilingual applications prefer Tolgee API for its comprehensive tool set. By integrating into their workflows, it helps in reducing time and effort in handling translations. Tolgee API supports collaboration amongst teams handling language localization, ensuring consistency across translated content.

The security misconfiguration vulnerability in Tolgee API allows an endpoint to be accessed without proper authentication. Specifically, the `/v2/pats` endpoint can be exploited, enabling unauthorized users to generate Personal Access Tokens (PATs). These tokens provide elevated access to the API, potentially allowing escalated interactions and unauthorized data access. This vulnerability poses a security risk by opening opportunities for privilege escalation. Such exposure is critical because it permits attackers to perform API operations intended only for authenticated users. The vulnerability reflects the need for improved authentication mechanisms in API design.

The vulnerability occurs because the `/v2/pats` endpoint is not secured by authentication protocols. Attackers can issue a POST request to create a Personal Access Token, bypassing typical security controls. Upon successful exploitation, attackers receive a token along with details like creation time, as seen from response attributes such as `"token"` and `"createdAt"`. The response status code `201` confirms the creation of the token. This setup allows attackers to gain access and potentially manipulate API interactions at an elevated privilege level. Overall, it is an oversight in securing administrative endpoints.

If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and misuse of API functionalities, affecting the security of user data. Malicious actors might exploit PATs to perform actions within the API that require higher privileges, including data extraction or modification. Such access can compromise sensitive project translation data, leading to data breaches. In extreme cases, attackers could perform denial of service by overloading the API with requests. This vulnerability can also damage the reputation of businesses relying on the API for secure operations, causing loss of trust among users.

REFERENCES

• https://docs.tolgee.io/api