CVE-2024-52588 is a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability identified in Strapi, an open-source content management system widely used for building APIs and managing content. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 4.25.2 and arises when a user inputs a local domain into the Webhooks URL field. This causes the Strapi application to fetch its own internal resources, effectively allowing an attacker with high privileges to induce the server to make unintended HTTP requests to internal or external systems. SSRF vulnerabilities can be leveraged to access internal services that are otherwise inaccessible from the outside, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling further attacks. In this case, the CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.9 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based, requires high privileges (authenticated user with elevated rights), no user interaction is needed, and the impact is primarily on confidentiality (high), with no impact on integrity or availability. The vulnerability has been patched in Strapi version 4.25.2, and no known exploits are currently reported in the wild. The root cause is insufficient validation or sanitization of the Webhooks URL input, allowing local/internal URLs to be used, which triggers the SSRF condition.

For European organizations using Strapi versions prior to 4.25.2, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk. Attackers with authenticated high-level access could exploit SSRF to access internal network resources, potentially exposing sensitive internal APIs, databases, or configuration endpoints. This could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, reconnaissance for further attacks, or pivoting inside the network. Since Strapi is often used in web applications and digital services, exploitation could compromise the confidentiality of business-critical information. The impact is heightened in environments where Strapi is deployed in segmented networks with sensitive internal services. However, the requirement for high privileges limits the attack surface to insiders or compromised accounts. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially in targeted attacks. European organizations in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, which rely on Strapi for content management and API delivery, should be particularly vigilant due to the sensitivity of their data and regulatory requirements such as GDPR.

1. Upgrade all Strapi instances to version 4.25.2 or later immediately to apply the official patch addressing this SSRF vulnerability. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on Webhooks URL fields to reject local/internal IP addresses and domains, even beyond the patched version, as a defense-in-depth measure. 3. Restrict Strapi server network egress rules to prevent it from making arbitrary HTTP requests to internal services, using firewall rules or network segmentation. 4. Enforce the principle of least privilege for Strapi users, ensuring only trusted administrators have the ability to configure webhooks. 5. Monitor logs for unusual outbound requests initiated by Strapi, especially to internal IP ranges or unexpected domains. 6. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on SSRF and related vulnerabilities in webhooks and API integrations. 7. Educate administrators about the risks of SSRF and the importance of cautious webhook configuration.