CVE-2010-3841 in TWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in lib/TWiki.pm in TWiki before 5.0.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the rev parameter to the view script or (2) the query string to the login script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3841 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting TWiki versions prior to 5.0.1. This flaw exists within the lib/TWiki.pm library file and manifests through two distinct attack vectors that collectively expose the application to remote code execution risks. The vulnerability specifically targets the view script through the rev parameter and the login script through query string manipulation, creating pathways for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's response streams.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within TWiki's core processing functions. When the application processes the rev parameter in the view script or handles query string parameters in the login script, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This inadequate data sanitization creates persistent XSS opportunities where attacker-controlled input can be executed within the browser context of authenticated or unauthenticated users. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, where the application fails to validate or encode user-controllable data before using it in output that is served to other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to user accounts. When a user visits a maliciously crafted URL containing the XSS payload, the injected script executes within their browser session, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting to malicious sites, or performing actions on behalf of the authenticated user. The login script vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited during authentication flows, potentially capturing credentials or manipulating the login process itself. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to TWiki installations, especially in environments where users frequently access the application with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3841 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures throughout the TWiki application. Organizations should upgrade to TWiki version 5.0.1 or later, which includes proper sanitization routines for user parameters. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation for all user inputs, particularly those used in dynamic content generation. Additionally, developers should implement proper HTML encoding for all output generated from user-supplied data, following ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Security controls should include Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution sources and regular security audits of input processing functions to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases.