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Sensitive information sent via URL parameters

Description​

The system sends sensitive information via URL parameters using the GET method. These parameters are:

  • Stored in clear text in the browser history.
  • Sent to external sites via the referrer HTTP header.
  • Sent to external sites via the search bar if the browser interprets the URL as a query.
  • Visible to scripts running on the browser that may belong to third-parties.

Impact​

Obtain sensitive information from application URLs.

Recommendation​

Guarantee that the sessions ID are sent through secure methods (POST) or obtain the cookies session.

Threat​

Anonymous attacker from adjacent network performing a sniffing attack.

Expected Remediation Time​

⌚ 60 minutes.

Score​

Default score using CVSS 3.1. It may change depending on the context of the vulnerability.

Base​

  • Attack vector: L
  • Attack complexity: L
  • Privileges required: N
  • User interaction: R
  • Scope: U
  • Confidentiality: H
  • Integrity: N
  • Availability: N

Temporal​

  • Exploit code madurity: X
  • Remediation level: X
  • Report confidence: X

Result​

  • Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N/E:X/RL:X/RC:X
  • Score:
    • Base: 5.5
    • Temporal: 5.5
  • Severity:
    • Base: Medium
    • Temporal: Medium

Code Examples​

Compliant code​

The session should be restored using cookies and not other insecure methods

// Get cookie to restore session credentials
function restoreSession(cname){
  userCookie = getcookies(cname);
  if(userCookie){
    restoreSession(user);
  }
}

Non compliant code​

The user Id is sent through the url parameters

// Get cookie to restore session credentials
function restoreSession(cname){
  userCredentials = fetch('myurl/${userId}')
  restoreSession(userCredentials)
}

Requirements​

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