CVE-2011-5025 in Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the wiki application in Yaws 1.88 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the tag parameter to editTag.yaws, (2) the index parameter to showOldPage.yaws, (3) the node parameter to allRefsToMe.yaws, or (4) the text parameter to editPage.yaws.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5025 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the wiki application component of Yaws version 1.88. This security weakness affects multiple endpoints within the web application framework, creating multiple attack vectors that could potentially allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the wiki application's parameter handling processes, specifically impacting four distinct script endpoints that process user-supplied data without proper security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through four specific parameters that fail to properly validate or sanitize incoming data before rendering it within the web application's output. The tag parameter in editTag.yaws, index parameter in showOldPage.yaws, node parameter in allRefsToMe.yaws, and text parameter in editPage.yaws all accept user input without adequate filtering or encoding measures. This lack of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates how insufficient data validation can lead to persistent security weaknesses.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers could craft malicious payloads that redirect users to phishing sites, steal authentication cookies, or inject malicious content that modifies the wiki's functionality. The multi-vector nature of the vulnerability increases the attack surface significantly, as each parameter represents a separate entry point that could be exploited independently. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Yaws-based wiki applications for collaborative content management, potentially compromising sensitive information stored within these systems.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5025 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms across all affected endpoints. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo strict sanitization before being processed or displayed within the web application. The implementation of proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content and the adoption of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can significantly reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that all parameters within the wiki application are properly validated and that input filtering mechanisms are consistently applied across all endpoints. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework's web application exploitation techniques.