CVE-2011-2711 in cgit
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the print_fileinfo function in ui-diff.c in cgit 0.9.0.2 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the filename associated with the rename hint.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The CVE-2011-2711 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the cgit web-based git repository viewer software. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 0.9.0.2 and earlier, where the print_fileinfo function in the ui-diff.c component fails to properly sanitize user input. The flaw occurs when authenticated users interact with the rename hint functionality, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code into the application's output. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to neutralize potentially dangerous characters in file names. This issue falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to execute scripts in the context of other users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that users who have legitimate credentials to access the git repository can exploit this flaw to compromise other users within the same system.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2711 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities through the compromised web interface. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the git repository interface, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft or privilege escalation within the application's context. The attack vector specifically targets the rename hint functionality, which is commonly used when developers modify file names within the repository. When an authenticated user views the diff output for a file that has been renamed with malicious input, the improperly sanitized filename gets rendered directly into the HTML output without proper encoding. This creates a persistent XSS condition that can affect any user who accesses the affected page, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in collaborative development environments where multiple users regularly interact with the repository interface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which involves the use of malicious content in web applications to execute unauthorized code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2711 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input sanitization and output encoding practices. The most effective solution involves implementing comprehensive input validation that filters or escapes special characters in filenames before they are processed and displayed in the user interface. Organizations should upgrade to cgit version 0.9.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper HTML escaping mechanisms in the print_fileinfo function ensures that any potentially malicious content in filenames is rendered harmless when displayed to users. Security measures should include regular code reviews focusing on input handling, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and establishing proper access controls to minimize the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the prevention of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious patterns in repository access that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of web-based git interfaces help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors in the wild.