CVE-2012-1621 in Open For Business Project
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Apache Open For Business Project (aka OFBiz) 10.04.x before 10.04.02 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) a parameter array in freemarker templates, the (2) contentId or (3) mapKey parameter in a cms event request, which are not properly handled in an error message, or unspecified input in (4) an ajax request to the getServerError function in checkoutProcess.js or (5) a Webslinger component request. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The CVE-2012-1621 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting the Apache Open For Business Project version 10.04.x before 10.04.02. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application framework, specifically in how it processes user-supplied data through various request parameters and template processing components. The vulnerability exposes the system to remote code execution risks where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's response handling mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in multiple attack vectors that collectively weaken the application's security posture. The first vector involves parameter arrays within freemarker templates where unescaped input data can be directly rendered into the output without proper sanitization. The second and third vectors target contentId and mapKey parameters within cms event requests, where error handling routines fail to properly escape user input before displaying error messages to end users. The fourth vector exploits an ajax request to the getServerError function in checkoutProcess.js, where server-side error messages contain unsanitized user input. The fifth vector involves Webslinger component requests where unspecified input parameters are not properly validated or escaped before processing.
This vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 weakness category, specifically addressing cross-site scripting flaws in web applications where input data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that these vulnerabilities affect core application components including template processing, content management, checkout processes, and component request handling. From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal user sessions, redirect users to malicious sites, deface web pages, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects the entire user base since the attack vectors involve common web application parameters and components that are frequently accessed during normal application usage.
The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing, as attackers can leverage these XSS flaws to establish persistent access through malicious scripts. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious payloads that leverage the vulnerable parameters to inject script code into the application's response, which then executes in the context of other users' browsers. Organizations running affected OFBiz versions face significant risk of data breaches, session hijacking, and potential privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple components indicates a systemic issue in the application's input handling architecture rather than isolated flaws.
Mitigation strategies should focus on comprehensive input validation and output sanitization across all application components. Organizations must implement proper parameter escaping mechanisms in all template processing systems, particularly for freemarker templates, and ensure that error messages properly sanitize all user-supplied data before rendering. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to OFBiz version 10.04.02 or later, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting thorough code reviews of template processing and component request handling. Additionally, organizations should deploy content security policies, implement proper input validation at multiple layers, and establish regular security testing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of consistent security practices throughout the application lifecycle and demonstrates how seemingly minor input handling flaws can create significant security risks in enterprise web applications.