CVE-2012-1027 in project-open
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in account-closed.tcl in ]project-open[ (aka ]po[) 3.4.x, 3.5.0.1-2, and possibly other versions allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the message parameter to register/account-closed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1027 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the ]project-open[ web application framework, specifically affecting versions 3.4.x through 3.5.0.1-2 and potentially other releases in the same lineage. This vulnerability resides in the account-closed.tcl script located within the register module of the application, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input parameters, particularly the message parameter, which is processed without adequate validation or encoding mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The attack vector specifically targets the registration and account closure functionality where user-supplied content is directly rendered without proper sanitization, creating an environment where malicious scripts can execute within the context of legitimate user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious payload containing HTML or JavaScript code and submits it through the message parameter in the account-closed.tcl endpoint. When the application processes this input without proper validation, the malicious code becomes embedded within the web page response and executes in the browser of unsuspecting users who visit the affected page. This allows attackers to perform a variety of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, and data exfiltration from authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the user interface level where legitimate users expect to see trusted content, making social engineering aspects more effective as users are less likely to suspect that content they see as part of normal application functionality might be malicious. The attack chain typically involves an attacker first gaining access to a victim's session through the XSS vector, then using that access to perform actions on behalf of the victim, potentially leading to complete account compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive project data within the ]project-open[ platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the application by enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code within user browsers. This can result in severe consequences including unauthorized access to project management data, modification of user permissions, creation of malicious user accounts, and potential data breaches that could compromise entire project portfolios. Organizations using ]project-open[ versions affected by this vulnerability face significant risks of unauthorized data access and potential regulatory violations, especially in environments where project data contains sensitive business or personal information. The vulnerability also aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage the XSS to deliver malicious payloads that further exploit user trust. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards, making it a critical concern for organizations that rely on ]project-open[ for project management and collaboration activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations should implement comprehensive parameter validation that filters or encodes all user-supplied content before rendering it in web pages, particularly focusing on the message parameter in the account-closed.tcl script. The recommended approach involves implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, utilizing proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content, and implementing strict input sanitization routines that remove or escape potentially dangerous characters. Security patches should be applied immediately to update the ]project-open[ application to versions that have addressed this vulnerability, as the original affected versions are no longer supported and likely contain additional undiscovered security flaws. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their ]project-open[ deployments to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other components, implement regular security scanning procedures, and establish monitoring protocols to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the software development lifecycle, particularly in applications that handle sensitive project and user data.