CVE-2024-1132 is a path traversal vulnerability identified in Keycloak, an open-source identity and access management solution widely used for single sign-on and authentication services. The flaw stems from improper limitation of pathname to a restricted directory, specifically in the validation logic of URLs included in redirect requests. Keycloak allows administrators to specify Valid Redirect URIs to prevent open redirect attacks. However, when a client uses a wildcard character in this configuration, the validation mechanism can be bypassed by an attacker who crafts a malicious URL. This crafted URL can redirect users to unintended locations within the same domain, potentially exposing sensitive information or enabling further attacks such as phishing or session hijacking. The vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning the victim must click or be redirected to the malicious URL. No authentication is required to exploit this flaw, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.1 (high), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and high impact on confidentiality and integrity, with no impact on availability. The vulnerability affects Keycloak versions 21.1.0 and 23.0.0. Although no public exploits are currently known, the widespread use of Keycloak in enterprise environments makes this a significant concern. The CWE-22 classification confirms this is a classic path traversal issue where input validation is insufficient to restrict access to authorized paths only.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-1132 can be substantial. Keycloak is commonly deployed in enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors across Europe for identity and access management. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive internal URLs or data, undermining confidentiality and integrity of authentication flows. Attackers could leverage this to conduct phishing campaigns, steal session tokens, or escalate attacks within the network. This is particularly critical for sectors handling personal data under GDPR, as breaches could result in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with high user exposure to external links. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the high CVSS score indicates that once exploited, the consequences could be severe. Organizations relying on wildcard redirects in Keycloak configurations are at elevated risk, as this practice directly enables the vulnerability.

European organizations should immediately audit their Keycloak configurations to identify any clients using wildcards in the Valid Redirect URIs field and replace them with explicit, fully qualified URLs. Implement strict URL validation policies to ensure redirects only point to trusted and intended destinations. Monitor user access logs for suspicious redirect patterns or unusual URL parameters. Educate users about the risks of clicking on unsolicited or suspicious links, especially those related to authentication flows. Deploy web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block path traversal attempts targeting Keycloak endpoints. Stay alert for official patches or updates from Keycloak and apply them promptly once released. If patching is not immediately possible, consider temporary mitigations such as disabling affected clients or restricting access to Keycloak administration interfaces. Conduct penetration testing focused on redirect validation to verify the effectiveness of mitigations. Finally, integrate this vulnerability into incident response plans to ensure rapid containment if exploitation is detected.