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Parameter Logic Bugs

This 'secure coding' module teaches how to identify logic bugs through code review and analysis, and covers three types of logic bugs caused by user input manipulation.

4.70

Created by 21y4d

Hard Defensive

Summary

Modern applications tend to have complex logic that may be difficult to understand and maintain. This complexity can lead to logic bugs that attackers can exploit to bypass specific security controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionality. In this module, we will learn how to identify and exploit logic bugs in web applications, mainly ones linked to user input.

The Parameter Logic Bugs module will cover the following types of Logic Bugs:

  1. Validation Logic Disparity
  2. Unexpected Input
  3. Null Safety

The module will do so by teaching the following:

  1. Different types of logic bugs
  2. Performing code reviews to identify logic bugs
  3. Setting up a local testing environment
  4. Performing a Proof of Concept (PoC)
  5. Patching the code and re-testing it
  6. Tips on avoiding logic bugs and writing secure code

In addition to teaching the above topics, this module will also cover:

  • What are Logic Bugs?
  • Different examples of real-world Logic Bugs
  • The impact of Logic Bugs
  • General causes of Logic Bugs
  • Client-Side Logic vs Server-Side Logic
  • Identifying Dynamic Validation Tests
  • Types of Validation Logic Disparity Bugs
  • Strongly-typed vs Loosely-typed Languages
  • Types of Unexpected Input Bugs
  • Identifying Functions with User Input
  • Reviewing Schema Models
  • Null-safe code vs Null-unsafe code
  • JavaScript Common Null Pitfalls
  • Flawed Null Checks
  • Identifying Null Variables
  • Required vs Optional Parameters
  • Common Effects of Null Safety Issues

Throughout the module, we will work with a replica of the Hack The Box Academy web application, built from scratch. This will allow us to demonstrate the different types of Logic Bugs in a realistic web application and allow you to follow along with the exercises and practice the various techniques we will cover.

The module is packed with exercises, challenges, extra questions, further reading, and hands-on labs to help you practice the different techniques we will cover. It also includes a practical hands-on skills assessment to gauge your understanding of the various topic areas.

To know more about this module before starting it, we recommend watching this talk from the module author at the HackTheBox Business CTF 2023 titled Finding Logic Bugs in Your Code. It introduces the first few sections of this module and explains the importance of logic bugs and how to find them.

CREST CPSA/CRT-related Sections:

  • All sections

As a "Hard" secure coding module, it requires a solid knowledge of reviewing code bases, understanding their different functionalities, and a good grasp of JavaScript. It also requires intermediate-advanced web application pentesting skills.

The module relies on VSCode and Docker to run and debug the accompanying demo, so it is highly recommended to have them installed on your machine and follow along the instructions found within the module.

The following modules are also considered as pre-requisites before starting this module:

  • Web Requests
  • Introduction to Web Applications
  • Linux Fundamentals
  • Intro to Whitebox Pentesting

Introduction to Logic Bugs

In web application testing, we usually follow rules and techniques when testing and identifying vulnerabilities or bugs. However, some bugs fall into the 'logic bugs' category, which can be notoriously difficult to identify because they are primarily caused by logic flaws.

Despite their complexity, a thorough understanding of logic bugs enables us to create guidelines for their identification. Additionally, adhering to a secure coding methodology during web application development can help eliminate or reduce logic bugs, ensuring the creation of robust applications without logic flaws.

Because this may sound confusing and overwhelming, let us start by explaining logic bugs and go through some examples to understand them better.

What are Logic Bugs?

Logic Bugs are unintentional flaws in how an application processes user input or interactions. Unlike common bugs that can cause crashes or common vulnerabilities that lead to code execution, logic bugs alter how an application behaves under normal conditions.

For instance, consider an application with paid features. A logic bug in the application's code might inadvertently allow access to these features without payment. Logic bugs in the application's flow can often be exploited through normal usage of the application (e.g. front-end only), while parameter-related logic bugs usually require specialized tools for exploitation.

Such flaws would not constitute direct vulnerabilities, nor would they be clear bugs that crash the application or cause a malfunction, but rather cause an unintended behavior that we can take advantage of. These bugs can remain hidden during normal application usage, causing no apparent issues. The application may function perfectly, revealing its flaws only under specific conditions that the developer might not have considered during the initial design. This inherent subtlety makes logic bugs particularly challenging to detect. Moreover, it is crucial to understand that logic bugs impact an application's flow and behavior, distinguishing them from issues that cause crashes or malfunctions.

While automated tools have their merits, identifying logic bugs poses a unique challenge, as they often struggle to fully comprehend, parse, and interconnect the intricate logic within an application's codebase and design. However, the landscape may soon change with recent Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements.

The most reliable approach to identifying logic bugs remains rooted in human expertise and logic. These skills, combined with the guidance and practices we will explore throughout this module, including codebase reviews and static tests, are pivotal in our pursuit of identifying and addressing logic bugs effectively.

A Trivial Example

funny_password_logic_bug.jpg

The above is a basic example of a Logic Bug, albeit quite comical. It was likely caused by a single line of code written without a proper understanding of its impact, leading to this bug. The developers may have used the unique() keyword for the password database parameter, which entails that every user's password must be unique from everyone else's! This keyword is usually used for emails and usernames, as such parameters need to be unique. However, in this case, whether it was a mishap or intentional, it caused this logic bug.

Furthermore, the application must have been configured with verbose logging, as it appears to show the direct database error to the front-end users, instead of showing a more generic error (e.g. The password is not unique). This basic example shows us the essence of logic bugs, how they occur due to minor mishaps, and how impactful they may be when they are found in sensitive functions "revealing another user's password, in this case".

A Real World Example (Unreleased iPhones)

Note: I will modify some facts and vulnerable components to protect the website's identity; however, the idea and concept should be identical.

One of the earliest instances of a web logic bug I faced was in an online e-shop selling electronics (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, or Target). The iPhone 4 was a day away from release in our region (back then, they spread releases over a longer period), and the product page only showed 'coming soon' instead of the 'add to cart' button. Personally, whenever I try to test a web application for logic bugs, I always start with 'I wonder what would happen if...', and so I wondered whether I would be able to complete the purchase if I somehow managed to add this 'unreleased' item to the shopping cart.

Adding the 'unreleased' iPhone to the shopping cart was a straightforward client-side bypass. I modified the productId in the GET request when adding any other item and replaced it with the unreleased iPhone's product ID. Once added to the cart, instead of displaying "coming soon," the cart revealed the available quantities for each iPhone option. Consequently, I selected the iPhone configuration I desired and chose the option 'pick up from store' because the "delivery" options appeared incorrect, likely due to the web application's inability to handle an "unreleased item." Below is a diagram showcasing the general flow of the attack:

unreleased_iphone_example_diagram.png

When clicking the checkout button, I was confident that the back-end server would handle this error and inform me that the product was 'out of stock' or 'unavailable.' However, to my surprise, I was directed to the payment details page and completed the purchase. I still thought that they would automatically cancel the order. However, to my amazement, after the iPhone was released to the public the next day, I received a pickup appointment and a purchase confirmation. Thus, this bug made the iPhone 4 (in my region) available for purchase before its release date.

I mentioned this incident before picking up the product, but they informed me it was rightfully mine since it had been paid for. As a result, I bypassed the waiting line and placed the order before the release. I promptly reported this bug and suggested a fix. However, as is often the case, no action was taken to address it. My intention had always been to identify and report potential logic bugs rather than exploit them for personal gain.

Logic Bugs CVEs

The iPhone 4 example only illustrates one aspect of logic bugs: they can encompass much more and have a more substantial impact. For instance, macOS systems are recognized for their robust Code Execution protection, which only allows code execution with the user's consent. Nevertheless, in 2021, a security researcher identified a basic logic bug that enables attackers to easily circumvent these protections by starting their script with (#!) and not defining an interpreter (e.g., /bin/bash).

macos_cve_analysis.jpg

Apple did not program the System Policy to handle scripts without an interpreter and considered them safe. This logic bug allowed for the bypass of Code Execution protection on Apple devices. However, CVE-2021-30853 was not the only logic bug to achieve such bypasses. Another logic bug, disclosed in this 2014 post, resulted in the same kind of bypass.

Because they all depend on logic, web applications, mobile apps, operating systems, games, or any computer program ever developed can contain limitless examples of logic bugs because their logic can always be flawed.

Impact of Logic Bugs

As we will see throughout the module, the impact of logic bugs can vary from minor inconveniences to financial losses, account takeovers, denial of service, privilege escalation, and even remote code execution.

Many logic bugs may not be exploitable, due to a certain 'usually unintended' security measure in place. For such cases, there won't be a significant impact other than user inconvenience. However, as a general rule of thumb, the impact of a logic bug is directly related to the sensitivity and importance of the flawed function and its related data. We are always interested in logic bugs in sensitive functions or sensitive data, like item purchases or code execution.

By the end of this module, we will deduce that flawed logic design often stems from insecure coding practices, which frequently lead to critical logic bugs.

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Sections

Relevant Paths

This module progresses you towards the following Paths

CREST CPSA/CRT Preparation

CREST CPSA/CRT Preparation

This is a skill path to prepare you for CREST's CPSA and CRT exams. The following CPSA/CRT syllabus areas (IDs) are covered: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B4, B5, B6, B8, B9, B13, B14, C1, C2, C3, C4, D1, D2, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E9, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, G1, G2, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H8, H9, H10, H11, H12, H13, I1, I2, I3, I6, J1, J2, J3. Take your time to complete all related sections and when you are ready you can book your CREST exam through the following links. CREST CPSA: https://www.crest-approved.org/certification-careers/crest-certifications/crest-practitioner-security-analyst/. CREST CRT: https://www.crest-approved.org/certification-careers/crest-certifications/crest-registered-penetration-tester/.

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Reward: +100
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mini module tag Mini-Module
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Path Sections 7 Sections
Reward: +100
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Medium
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Reward: +20
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Medium
Path Sections 17 Sections
Reward: +10
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Easy
Path Sections 11 Sections
Reward: +20
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Medium
Path Sections 11 Sections
Reward: +10
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Medium
Path Sections 11 Sections
Reward: +20
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Medium
Path Sections 12 Sections
Reward: +20
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Medium
Path Sections 14 Sections
Reward: +20
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Medium
Path Sections 18 Sections
Reward: +20
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Medium
Path Sections 33 Sections
Reward: +20
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Medium
Path Sections 13 Sections
Reward: +20
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Hard
Path Sections 16 Sections
Reward: +100
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Hard
Path Sections 12 Sections
Reward: +100
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Parameter Logic Bugs
Hard
Path Sections 21 Sections
Reward: +100
This 'secure coding' module teaches how to identify logic bugs through code review and analysis, and covers three types of logic bugs caused by user input manipulation.
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Easy
Path Sections 16 Sections
Reward: +20
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Easy
Path Sections 8 Sections
Reward: +20
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Senior Web Penetration Tester

Senior Web Penetration Tester

The Senior Web Penetration Tester Job Role Path is designed for individuals who aim to develop skills in identifying advanced and hard-to-find web vulnerabilities using both black box and white box techniques. This path encompasses advanced-level training in web security, web penetration testing, and secure coding concepts. It also provides a deep understanding of the application debugging, source code review, and custom exploit development aspects of web security. Equipped with the necessary theoretical background, multiple practical exercises, and a proven methodology for web vulnerability identification, students will eventually be capable of performing professional security assessments against modern and highly secure web applications, as well as effectively reporting vulnerabilities found in code or arising from logical errors.

Hard Path Sections 245 Sections
Required: 7500
Reward: +1500
Path Modules
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Medium
Path Sections 15 Sections
Reward: +100
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Medium
Path Sections 12 Sections
Reward: +100
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Medium
Path Sections 20 Sections
Reward: +100
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Medium
Path Sections 17 Sections
Reward: +100
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Medium
Path Sections 15 Sections
Reward: +100
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Hard
Path Sections 20 Sections
Reward: +100
This module covers three common HTTP vulnerabilities: Web Cache Poisoning, Host Header Vulnerabilities, and Session Puzzling or Session Variable Overloading. These vulnerabilities can arise on the HTTP level due to web server misconfigurations, other systems that have to be considered during real-world deployment such as web caches, or coding mistakes in the web application. We will cover how to identify, exploit, and prevent each of these vulnerabilities.
HTTP Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 18 Sections
Reward: +100
This module covers three HTTP vulnerabilities: CRLF Injection, HTTP Request Smuggling, and HTTP/2 Downgrading. These vulnerabilities can arise on the HTTP level in real-world deployment settings utilizing intermediary systems such as reverse proxies in front of the web server. We will cover how to identify, exploit, and prevent each of these vulnerabilities.
Blind SQL Injection
Hard
Path Sections 16 Sections
Reward: +100
In this module, we cover blind SQL injection attacks and MSSQL-specific attacks.
Intro to Whitebox Pentesting
Hard
Path Sections 18 Sections
Reward: +100
Whitebox penetration testing enables thorough testing to identify various hard-to-find vulnerabilities. This module covers the process of whitebox pentesting and follows that with a practical demo by exploiting an advanced code injection vulnerability.
Modern Web Exploitation Techniques
Hard
Path Sections 18 Sections
Reward: +100
This module covers advanced web concepts and exploitation techniques, including performing DNS Rebinding to bypass faulty SSRF filters and the Same-Origin Policy, identifying and exploiting Second-Order vulnerabilities, and conducting common web attacks via WebSocket connections.
Introduction to Deserialization Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 15 Sections
Reward: +100
In this module, we will explore deserialization attacks with specific examples in Python and PHP.
Whitebox Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 15 Sections
Reward: +100
This module explores several web vulnerabilities from a whitebox approach: Prototype Pollution, Timing Attacks & Race Conditions, and those arising from Type Juggling. We will discuss how to identify, exploit, and prevent each vulnerability.
Advanced SQL Injections
Hard
Path Sections 12 Sections
Reward: +100
This module covers advanced SQL injection techniques with a focus on white-box testing, Java/Spring and PostgreSQL.
Advanced Deserialization Attacks
Hard
Path Sections 13 Sections
Reward: +100
This module focuses on developing custom exploits for .NET deserialization vulnerabilities from a whitebox perspective.
Parameter Logic Bugs
Hard
Path Sections 21 Sections
Reward: +100
This 'secure coding' module teaches how to identify logic bugs through code review and analysis, and covers three types of logic bugs caused by user input manipulation.