In OpenVSX version v0.9.0 to v0.20.0, the /user/namespace/{namespace}/details API allows a user to edit all namespace details, even if the user is not a namespace Owner or Contributor. The details include: name, description, website, support link and social media links. The same issues existed in /user/namespace/{namespace}/details/logo and allowed a user to change the logo.
This vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 6.9, categorizing it as medium severity. This matters because unauthorized modifications to namespace details can lead to misinformation and reputational damage for organizations relying on OpenVSX.
Currently, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability, but organizations should be vigilant. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The urgency for defenders is underscored by the potential for misuse of the API, which could allow unauthorized users to manipulate data that could affect service integrity.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description notes that the vulnerability allows unauthorized editing of namespace details, which is a significant security concern. The affected product is OpenVSX, developed by Eclipse, with the vulnerability present in versions from v0.9.0 to v0.20.0.
The CVSS score of 6.9 indicates a medium severity level, suggesting that the vulnerability can be exploited with low complexity and without requiring any privileges or user interaction.
The vulnerability has been disclosed on February 19, 2025, and it has been assigned Common Weakness Enumeration IDs CWE-283 and CWE-285, indicating improper authorization and improper access control, respectively.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is improper authorization checks in the API endpoint. This allows any authenticated user to change critical details of a namespace without appropriate permissions. The attack vector is a network, and the attack complexity is low.
There are no privileges required, and user interaction is not needed to exploit this vulnerability. The integrity impact is low, as unauthorized changes can be made to namespace details, but confidentiality and availability impacts are not applicable.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk of this vulnerability is significant. Given the ability to alter namespace details, an attacker could mislead users or damage the integrity of the platform. Organizations risk reputational damage and loss of trust from users.
The blast radius potential is broad, affecting any organization using OpenVSX across the mentioned versions. Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
The urgency for remediation is highlighted by the CVSS score of 6.9, indicating that organizations should not delay in applying patches once they are available.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects OpenVSX versions from v0.9.0 to v0.20.0, specifically those versions that fall within the criteria specified in the Common Platform Enumeration (CPE). Organizations running any versions prior to the vendor patch should prioritize updates.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates from Eclipse as soon as they become available to remediate this vulnerability. Regular patching is critical to maintain security. If a patch is not available, organizations should consider implementing access controls to limit unauthorized access to the API.
For further guidance on penetration testing and vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the comprehensive penetration testing services provided by AppSecure.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual API activity can help in detecting potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should look for indicators such as unauthorized changes to namespace details and any unusual patterns in user behavior.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of robust access control mechanisms in APIs. The ability to edit namespaces without sufficient permissions poses a significant risk, especially in environments where trust models are critical.
Organizations should leverage this incident to evaluate their current security posture and ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in their systems. Regular security assessments and adopting a proactive stance on vulnerability management are essential.
For more insights on securing applications, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology, which outlines best practices.
Additionally, understanding the landscape of vulnerabilities can help organizations prepare better against future threats. For a comprehensive overview, refer to our vulnerability management program guide.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)