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Hidden fields manipulation

Description​

It is possible to modify fields that are invisible to the regular user and cause undesired behaviors in the application.

Impact​

Force unwanted actions in the application modifying resources which can not be accessible by user.

Recommendation​

Send only fields that require users inputs in the requests, and control the rest from the server.

Threat​

Authenticated attacker from the Internet.

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

Temporal​

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

Result​

  • Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N/E:X/RL:X/RC:X
  • Score:
    • Base: 2.6
    • Temporal: 2.6
  • Severity:
    • Base: Low
    • Temporal: Low

Code Examples​

Compliant code​

Avoid using hidden input fields without handling them from the server side

<form action="/action_page.php">
  <h1>Login Form</h1>
  <div class="container">
    <label for="uname"><strong>Username</strong></label>
    <input type="text" placeholder="Enter Username" name="uname" required>
    <label for="psw"><strong>Password</strong></label>
    <input type="password" placeholder="Enter Password" name="psw" required>
  </div>
  <button type="submit">Login</button>
</form>

Non compliant code​

There are hidden fields in the application forms that could be manipulated

<form action="/action_page.php">
  <h1>Login Form</h1>
  <div class="container">
    <label for="uname"><strong>Username</strong></label>
    <input type="text" placeholder="Enter Username" name="uname" required>
    <label for="psw"><strong>Password</strong></label>
    <input type="password" placeholder="Enter Password" name="psw" required>
    // Using hidden fields
    <input type="hidden" id="location" name="location" value="">
  </div>
  <button type="submit">Login</button>
</form>

Requirements​

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