A Host header injection vulnerability exists in CTFd 3.7.5, due to the application failing to properly validate or sanitize the Host header. An attacker can manipulate the Host header in HTTP requests, which may lead to phishing attacks, reset password, or cache poisoning. NOTE: the Supplier's position is that the end user is supposed to edit the NGINX configuration template to set server_name (with this setting, Host header injection cannot occur).
This vulnerability is classified as medium severity with a CVSS score of 6.1, indicating that while it is not critical, it poses significant risks. The potential for exploitation may lead to unauthorized actions such as phishing, which can compromise sensitive user information.
Organizations utilizing CTFd 3.7.5 should be aware of the exploitation status. As of now, there are no public exploits confirmed, and the vulnerability is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, given the nature of the vulnerability, actions to mitigate risks should be taken promptly.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Ensuring that NGINX configurations are properly set can prevent potential attacks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is associated with CWE-644, which pertains to improper validation of the Host header in HTTP requests. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low complexity and no privileges to exploit, but it does necessitate user interaction.
The CVSS vector string for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N. This indicates low attack complexity and low impacts on confidentiality and integrity, while availability remains unaffected.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the failure to correctly validate or sanitize input from the Host header. Attackers may exploit this weakness to perform various malicious actions, such as phishing, where they can deceive users into providing sensitive information.
To successfully exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must manipulate the Host header within an HTTP request. This typically requires a user to click on a malicious link or be redirected to a compromised site. The attack complexity is considered low, making it accessible to a wide range of potential attackers.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential phishing attacks and the ability for attackers to reset user passwords or poison caches. The impact of such exploitation can lead to significant data breaches and loss of user trust. Given the attack vector and the low complexity required, organizations must assess their exposure to this vulnerability.
Organizations should address in priority patch cycle. The current exploitation status indicates that there are no known exploits or active campaigns leveraging this vulnerability, but the inherent risks warrant immediate attention.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
CTFd versions prior to 3.7.6 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should ensure that NGINX configurations are properly set to mitigate the risk of Host header injection. Specifically, the server_name directive should be configured correctly. For additional information on securing your applications, consider investing in application security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitor your logs for unusual behavior related to Host header values. Look for any attempts to manipulate the Host header in HTTP requests, as this may indicate an attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of this vulnerability lies in the increasing trend of web application attacks leveraging misconfigurations. Security teams should take this opportunity to review their deployment configurations and ensure safeguards are in place against similar vulnerabilities. For insights on improving security posture, consult our vulnerability management program and consider adopting best practices for securing applications.
As the threat landscape evolves, continuous monitoring and adaptation are crucial. Security teams must be proactive in identifying and mitigating risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-23001. For guidance on effective penetration testing strategies, explore our penetration testing methodology to ensure comprehensive security assessments.
Engaging with professional services for assessments and testing can further enhance your organization's resilience against emerging threats. Consider our penetration testing service to stay ahead of vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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