Jasig Updates uPortal To Tackle Potential Exploit

Jasig has released an update to uPortal to address a vulnerability affecting uPortal 4 and dependent software, such as uMobile and SSP.

uPortal is an open source enterprise portal that's built on Java, XML, JSP, and Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE) technologies, providing a framework for building portals with standards-based integration (including authentication and security applications), single login, and customization.

uPortal 4.0.11.1 addresses a vulnerability in uPortal 4.x that could allow other applications to log in as a user. As Jasig described it: "This is an illicit proxy vulnerability wherein other applications using the same CAS server as the portal may be able to themselves access the portal as the end user, and then are able to do anything the end user would have been able to do through the portal. This is not a privilege escalation vulnerability, in that illicit proxies can illicitly proxy only as users who use CAS to log in to them. They cannot arbitrarily become other users or escalate privileges beyond those of the user as whom they're illicitly accessing the portal."

Jasig indicated that the vulnerability is "very likely" to be exploitable but unlikely to have been exploited so far.

The uPortal 4.0.11.1 update is available now. Complete details on the vulnerability can be found in the latest uPortal release notes, along with links to code.

 

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • college student working on a laptop, surrounded by icons representing campus support services

    National U Launches Student Support Hub for Non-Traditional Learners

    National University has launched a new student support hub designed to help online and working learners balance career, education, and family responsibilities as they pursue their education. Called "The Nest," the facility is positioned as a "co-learning" center that provides wraparound support services, work and study space, and access to child care.

  • image of a white AI chip with circuit lines, flanked by interlocking gears and a neural network brain icon

    Researchers Develop AI-Powered Method for Business Process Redesign

    Researchers have developed a novel AI-powered approach that enables non-technical users to modify complex process models through simple conversations with chatbots.

  • college students in a classroom focus on a silver laptop, with a neural network diagram on the monitor in the background

    Report: 93% of Students Believe Gen AI Training Belongs in Degree Programs

    The vast majority of today's college students — 93% — believe generative AI training should be included in degree programs, according to a recent Coursera report. What's more, 86% of students consider gen AI the most crucial technical skill for career preparation, prioritizing it above in-demand skills such as data strategy and software development.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.