CVE-2022-24901 is a vulnerability identified in the parse-server product maintained by the parse-community project. The issue stems from improper certificate validation (CWE-295) within the Apple Game Center authentication adapter component of parse-server. Specifically, the vulnerability arises due to insufficient validation of the Apple certificate URL used during authentication. This flaw allows an attacker to bypass authentication mechanisms by exploiting the inadequate checks on the URL and the resource it points to. Consequently, an attacker can impersonate legitimate Apple Game Center authentication responses, effectively bypassing authentication controls. This unauthorized access can then be leveraged to launch Denial of Service (DoS) attacks against the server, potentially disrupting service availability. The vulnerability affects parse-server versions prior to 4.10.10 and versions from 5.0.0 up to but not including 5.2.1. The root cause was addressed by enhancing URL validation and implementing additional checks on the resource referenced by the URL before it is downloaded, thereby preventing malicious redirection or resource substitution. No known exploits have been reported in the wild to date, but the vulnerability's nature indicates a significant risk if exploited. The vulnerability also relates to improper authentication (CWE-287), highlighting that the authentication bypass is a critical aspect of the flaw. Given that parse-server is an open-source backend framework commonly used to build scalable applications, including those with mobile and web clients, this vulnerability could impact services relying on Apple Game Center authentication integration.

For European organizations utilizing parse-server, especially those integrating Apple Game Center authentication, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access and service disruption. The authentication bypass can allow attackers to impersonate legitimate users or services, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data exposure within applications. The primary impact is on availability, as attackers can exploit this flaw to launch Denial of Service attacks, disrupting service continuity. This could affect customer-facing applications, internal tools, or any service relying on parse-server for backend operations. Organizations in sectors such as gaming, mobile app development, and digital services that leverage Apple Game Center authentication are particularly at risk. Additionally, the integrity of authentication processes is compromised, which could undermine trust in the affected applications. While no known exploits exist currently, the medium severity rating suggests that the vulnerability should be addressed promptly to prevent potential exploitation. The impact on confidentiality is limited unless combined with other vulnerabilities, but the authentication bypass could facilitate further attacks if chained with other weaknesses.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading parse-server to versions 4.10.10 or later, or 5.2.1 and above, where the vulnerability has been fixed. Beyond patching, organizations should implement strict validation of all external URLs and resources used in authentication workflows, ensuring that only trusted and verified endpoints are contacted. Employing network-level controls such as allowlisting Apple Game Center domains and monitoring outbound requests can help detect and prevent malicious redirections. Additionally, integrating multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible can mitigate the risk of authentication bypass. Application-level logging and anomaly detection should be enhanced to identify unusual authentication patterns or repeated failed attempts that may indicate exploitation attempts. For organizations unable to immediately patch, temporarily disabling Apple Game Center authentication adapters or isolating affected components can reduce exposure. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on third-party authentication integrations are recommended to identify similar weaknesses. Finally, educating development teams on secure certificate validation practices and the risks of improper authentication handling will help prevent recurrence.