CSRF Token Reuse Vulnerability in Django - CVE-2014-0473
Summary
CVE-2014-0473: The caching framework in Django before 1.4.11, 1.5.x before 1.5.6, 1.6.x before 1.6.3, and 1.7.x before 1.7 beta 2 reuses a cached CSRF token for all anonymous users, which allows remote attackers to bypass CSRF protecti... Affects python-django versions < 1.6.3-1. Fixed in 1.6.3-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. It provides a robust set of features for building web applications, including an ORM, authentication, and an admin interface. However, prior to versions 1.4.11, 1.5.6, 1.6.3, and 1.7 beta 2, Django's caching framework had a significant vulnerability that allowed for CSRF token reuse among anonymous users, potentially compromising the security of web applications built on this framework.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0473 arises from the caching framework in Django, which improperly reuses a cached CSRF token for all anonymous users. This flaw allows remote attackers to bypass CSRF protections by reading the CSRF cookie of anonymous users. The implications of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of users, thereby compromising the integrity of web applications and exposing sensitive data.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.6.3-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade python-djangoTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading Django is not immediately feasible, a temporary workaround is to implement additional CSRF protection measures in your application. This could involve using custom middleware to validate CSRF tokens more rigorously or implementing additional checks on the server side to ensure that actions performed by anonymous users are legitimate.
Conclusion
CVE-2014-0473 represents a significant security vulnerability in Django that can lead to serious consequences if not addressed. Upgrading to a secure version of Django is the most effective way to mitigate this risk. Additionally, utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time, ensuring the security of your applications.
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FAQ
CVE-2014-0473 is a vulnerability in Django's caching framework that allows CSRF token reuse for anonymous users, enabling attackers to bypass CSRF protections.
You can check if your application is affected by using Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to analyze your application without any signup.
The risks include unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of users, which can lead to data breaches, loss of user trust, and potential legal implications.
Yes, implementing additional CSRF protection measures or custom middleware can help mitigate the risk until an upgrade is possible.
Django versions 1.4.11, 1.5.6, 1.6.3, and any later versions are not affected by this vulnerability.
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