CVE-2012-2904 in JW Player
Summary
by MITRE
player.swf in LongTail JW Player 5.9 allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via multiple "javascript:" sequences in the debug parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2904 resides within the LongTail JW Player 5.9 media player component, specifically in the player.swf file which serves as the core Flash-based playback engine. This security flaw represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts and HTML content into the player's debug parameter. The vulnerability manifests when the player processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the user's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the Flash player's debug parameter handling mechanism. When the debug parameter contains multiple "javascript:" sequences, the player fails to properly escape or filter these potentially malicious inputs before rendering them in the browser context. This weakness allows attackers to construct malicious payloads that can execute within the same domain as the legitimate player, bypassing standard browser security restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because Flash player components often run with elevated privileges and can access sensitive user data or perform actions on behalf of the user.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2904 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and redirection to malicious websites. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to inject persistent scripts that can monitor user interactions, capture keystrokes, or manipulate the player's functionality to serve malicious content. The vulnerability affects any website or application that integrates the affected JW Player version, making it a widespread concern for content publishers and media streaming platforms that rely on Flash-based players for video delivery.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of JW Player where this vulnerability has been patched, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and employing content security policies to restrict script execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a common attack vector that maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious javascript: sequences in URL parameters, while conducting thorough penetration testing to identify other potential injection points within media player implementations. Regular security audits of embedded media components remain crucial for maintaining defensive posture against similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems.