Okta has recently resolved a significant security vulnerability that allowed attackers to bypass sign-on policies and gain unauthorized access to applications. The flaw, which was disclosed in a security advisory, specifically impacts users of Okta Classic and was introduced on July 17, 2024. The company noted that the vulnerability was identified on September 27, when it was discovered that attackers with valid credentials could exploit specific Okta configurations to circumvent application-specific sign-on policies.
The conditions for successful exploitation required that an attacker possess a valid username and password pair, along with configured application-specific sign-on policies. These policies could include device-type restrictions, authentication requirements defined outside the Global Session Policy, and the utilization of network zones. The exploit took advantage of user-agents evaluated as ‘unknown’ device types, making it particularly concerning for organizations that had not implemented stringent authentication measures.
In light of this vulnerability, Okta urges customers who were using Okta Classic as of July 17 to thoroughly review their System Logs for any unexpected authentication events linked to user-agents classified as ‘unknown’ between July 17 and October 4, 2024. The company emphasizes the importance of identifying unauthorized authentication attempts, failed login attempts that may suggest credential-based attacks, and any unusual behavior such as different geolocations or IP addresses.
Okta has also cautioned users to pay special attention to applications with default policy rules that are not customizable, including Microsoft Office 365 and Radius. By proactively monitoring for these indicators, organizations can better protect themselves from potential exploitation. As cyber threats continue to evolve, maintaining robust security practices and timely updates is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring secure access to applications.
