Critical Unauthorized Access to Admin Pages via Vulnerable Endpoints

About Me

Hi everyone! My name is Satyam Pawale, also known as @hackersatty in the bug bounty world. I started bug hunting in 2024 and have been passionate about finding security vulnerabilities ever since.

This blog is meant to share my experience and help others learn from it. If you like it or have any feedback, feel free to drop a comment below. Let’s get started!

What I Found

When it comes to web security, even the smallest oversight can lead to critical vulnerabilities. Recently, I discovered a significant issue on a subdomain that allowed unauthorized access to admin-level pages through specific vulnerable endpoints. Let’s explore this case study and highlight the risks involved.

Summary

A subdomain (https://example.com/) was found to have multiple vulnerable endpoints that allowed unauthorized access to sensitive admin-level pages. These endpoints lacked proper access controls and input validation, enabling attackers to manipulate parameters and gain access to internal system data or functionalities. This could potentially lead to data leakage, unauthorized data manipulation, and even compromise the platform’s integrity and confidentiality.

Vulnerable Endpoints

The following endpoints were identified as vulnerable:

1. Targeted Quick Search

• URL: https://example.com/.../TARGETED_QUICK_SEARCH_LIST
• Risk: Exposes template pages and sensitive metadata, which could be used to understand the internal structure of the system.

2. Schema Browse

• URL: https://example.com/.../SCHEMA_BROWSE_POPUP
• Risk: Allows manipulation of query parameters, potentially compromising the database schema and enabling unauthorized data insertion.

3. Standard Query

• URL: https://example.com/.../STANDARD_QUERY_PAGE
• Risk: Enables attackers to retrieve sensitive internal data by manipulating query parameters.

Steps to Discover and Exploit

Using Google Dorks

1. Locate Login/Admin Pages:

• Use dorks like site:example.com login or site:example.com admin to find login pages or admin-related portals.

2. Identify JavaScript Files:

• Search for exposed JavaScript files using site:example.com filetype:js.
• Analyze the content of these files to uncover hidden or unprotected endpoints.

3. Directory Enumeration:

• Use dorks such as site:example.com inurl:/admin or site:example.com inurl:/cs/ to locate potential admin or sensitive directories.

Exploiting Vulnerable Endpoints

1. Discover Vulnerable Endpoints:

• Analyze the subdomain for open directories or inspect JavaScript files for API or endpoint references.

2. Access the Endpoints:

• Use tools like curl or your browser to visit the identified endpoints.
• Example: Navigate to https://example.com/.../TARGETED_QUICK_SEARCH_LIST.

3. Manipulate Parameters:

• Modify parameters such as fieldName, whereClause, or SearchQueryFormat to test for unauthorized data access or manipulation capabilities.
• Example: Append queries to extract sensitive data like &whereClause=1=1 or alter format parameters.

4. Inspect Responses:

• Check responses for exposed metadata, schema details, or sensitive internal data.

Impact

The potential impact of these vulnerabilities is critical:

• Confidentiality Breach: Exposes sensitive internal metadata and system details to unauthorized users.
• Data Integrity Risks: Unauthorized data manipulation could compromise the integrity of the platform.
• Access Control Bypass: Lack of proper access controls allows attackers to perform actions reserved for admin users.

Final Thoughts

Discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities in admin endpoints can be both a challenging and meticulous process. It requires patience, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to think like an attacker while adhering to ethical practices. This case study highlights how even seemingly insignificant oversights can lead to significant risks if left unchecked. It’s a reminder that proactive testing, robust security mechanisms, and constant vigilance are essential to safeguarding any platform. Stay curious, persistent, and above all, ethical in your security journey.

Until next time, happy bug hunting! 😊