CVE-2011-5228 in appRain
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Search module (quickstart/search) in appRain CMF 0.1.5 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the ss parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The CVE-2011-5228 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the appRain Content Management Framework version 0.1.5, specifically affecting the Search module's quickstart functionality. This vulnerability exists in the ss parameter handling mechanism, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw demonstrates a critical failure in input validation and output sanitization practices that are fundamental to web application security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the search module's quickstart component. When the ss parameter is processed without proper validation or encoding, malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed when other users view the search results page. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and execute unauthorized scripts in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5228 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the context of the affected web application. An attacker could craft malicious search queries that, when viewed by other users, would execute scripts designed to steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or manipulate the application interface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for initial access and privilege escalation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers need not have physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications serving multiple users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The appRain CMF developers should implement comprehensive sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those passed through the ss parameter in the search module. This includes implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable characters and encoding output data to prevent script execution. Organizations using appRain 0.1.5 should consider upgrading to patched versions or implementing web application firewalls as temporary measures. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and input validation testing, as outlined in OWASP's top ten security risks, particularly focusing on the prevention of XSS attacks through proper encoding and validation practices.