Weak Registration Mechanism Vulnerability (P4)

The user registration and account verification process in the application is vulnerable due to a weak implementation of the verification link. Specifically, the verification link is sent via HTTP rather than the more secure HTTPS. This exposes the system to potential man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks and account takeover risks. While this issue does not necessarily lead to immediate access to user accounts, attackers could intercept and manipulate the verification link, potentially gaining unauthorized access to accounts or causing data leakage.

 

 

 

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Open the URL: example.com/signup.
2. Complete the registration process to trigger the verification email.
3. Open your inbox and locate the verification email.
4. Right-click on the verification link and select "Copy link address."
5. Paste the link into a text editor or directly into your browser's address bar.
6. Check if the URL uses HTTP instead of HTTPS.
7. Press Enter to open the link and observe the behavior:
   • If the link grants direct access to the user’s account without requiring login credentials, this indicates a vulnerability.
   • If the link prompts for user credentials or redirects to the login page, the behavior is normal and no issue exists. 

 

Impact:

This vulnerability can expose the system to several serious risks, including:

• Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks: An attacker could intercept the unencrypted HTTP link during transmission, enabling unauthorized access or manipulation of the verification process.

• Account hijacking: If the verification link allows direct account access without authentication, attackers could exploit the flaw to gain control over user accounts.

• Data leakage: Unauthorized access to user accounts could result in exposure of sensitive personal information.

   

  Priority Level: P4

  This issue is categorized as a P4 (Priority 4) bug. While it does not immediately compromise the system, it poses a risk of exploitation over time if left unaddressed. It is crucial to resolve this issue to maintain user trust and secure the platform.

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  Bug Bounty Consideration:

  This vulnerability qualifies for a P4 Bug Bounty. Though it is not as high priority as other security flaws, it can still be exploited by attackers and, therefore, should be resolved promptly.

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  Recommended Fixes:

• Switch to HTTPS: Ensure all verification links are sent over HTTPS to protect against interception and tampering.

• Implement Authentication for Verification Links: Require users to log in before granting access to their accounts, even when accessing the verification link.

• Review the Registration Process: Perform a thorough review of the entire user registration and verification process to ensure the security of all related features.

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Conclusion: This bug report highlights a P4 priority vulnerability within the registration process of the application, emphasizing the importance of switching from HTTP to HTTPS and enforcing proper authentication checks. It is eligible for a P4 Bug Bounty and should be addressed promptly to avoid potential security risks.

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