CVE-2012-1252 in RSSOwl
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in RSSOwl before 2.1.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a feed, a different vulnerability than CVE-2006-4760.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2019
The CVE-2012-1252 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in RSSOwl version 2.1.0 and earlier, affecting the popular RSS feed reader application. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or account compromise. The flaw specifically resides in how RSSOwl processes feed data, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious content that gets rendered when users view affected feeds. Unlike CVE-2006-4760 which targeted different attack vectors, this vulnerability focuses on the feed processing mechanism itself, making it particularly dangerous for users who regularly consume RSS feeds from untrusted sources.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within RSSOwl's feed parsing functionality. When the application processes RSS feed content, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data, allowing attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code or HTML tags within feed entries. This occurs because the application directly incorporates feed data into its user interface without adequate sanitization measures, creating an environment where attacker-controlled content can execute in the context of the user's browsing session. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the web-based interface components that display RSS feed content, making it exploitable through various attack vectors including malicious feeds hosted on compromised websites or feeds distributed through social engineering campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1252 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or even execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Users who regularly access RSS feeds from multiple sources become particularly vulnerable, as a single malicious feed can compromise their browsing environment. The vulnerability affects all users running RSSOwl versions prior to 2.1.1, creating a widespread risk across the user base. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access to user accounts, especially if the RSSOwl application maintains session information or stores user preferences that could be manipulated through the injected scripts. The impact is amplified in enterprise environments where users may access multiple feeds from various sources, creating numerous potential entry points for attackers.
Security mitigations for CVE-2012-1252 primarily involve updating to RSSOwl version 2.1.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of RSSOwl are updated promptly. Additionally, users should exercise caution when subscribing to RSS feeds from untrusted sources and consider implementing web application firewalls or content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious feed content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566 for social engineering attacks that leverage malicious feeds to deliver payloads. Network administrators should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous feed processing activities or unusual data patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of RSS reader applications and their feed processing capabilities are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.