CVE-2011-3998 in WebObjects
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apple WebObjects 5.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2019
The CVE-2011-3998 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in Apple WebObjects version 5.2 and earlier systems. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where malicious scripts are injected into otherwise trusted websites. The flaw exists within the web application framework's handling of user input, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected applications. WebObjects, as a server-side web application framework developed by Apple, was widely used for building dynamic web applications and enterprise solutions, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on these systems.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the WebObjects framework. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to inject malicious code that gets executed when other users view the affected web pages. This typically occurs when user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web responses, allowing attackers to embed script tags or other malicious HTML elements that execute in the victim's browser context. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system or local network privileges to carry out the attack, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible web environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3998 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute commands on behalf of the victim. Organizations using affected WebObjects versions face significant risks including unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects web applications built on this framework, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data, user credentials, and business-critical information. Given that WebObjects was commonly used in enterprise environments, the impact could be substantial across multiple departments and business units depending on the scope of applications deployed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including upgrading to patched versions of Apple WebObjects, implementing comprehensive input validation controls, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected applications and systems running vulnerable WebObjects versions. Security measures should include implementing proper output encoding, using content security policies, and establishing robust monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process must also involve comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not introduce regressions in application functionality while maintaining the security posture of the overall web infrastructure. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against similar cross-site scripting threats.