CVE-2012-3373 in Wicket
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Apache Wicket 1.4.x before 1.4.21 and 1.5.x before 1.5.8 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving a %00 sequence in an Ajax link URL associated with a Wicket app.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2018
The CVE-2012-3373 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Apache Wicket web framework versions 1.4.x prior to 1.4.21 and 1.5.x prior to 1.5.8. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the framework's Ajax link processing functionality. The flaw specifically manifests when a malicious actor crafts an Ajax link URL containing a null byte sequence %00, which the framework fails to properly handle during URL parsing and rendering operations. This weakness allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into web pages served by affected Wicket applications, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling further attack vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of null byte sequences in Ajax URL parameters. When Apache Wicket processes Ajax requests containing %00 characters, the framework's internal URL parsing logic fails to correctly sanitize or escape these sequences before incorporating them into the generated HTML output. This creates a classic XSS attack surface where malicious payloads can be injected into the application's response, particularly affecting Ajax-enabled components that dynamically update page content. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input before including it in output, specifically manifesting as a cross-site scripting flaw in web applications. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate Ajax functionality while exploiting the framework's inadequate input validation.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3373 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, and full application compromise. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, execute arbitrary JavaScript in the victim's browser context, allowing for cookie theft, redirection to malicious sites, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects the core Ajax processing capabilities of Apache Wicket, making it particularly dangerous for applications that rely heavily on dynamic content updates and user interactions. This flaw undermines the security of web applications built on the framework, potentially exposing sensitive user data and application functionality to unauthorized access. The impact is further amplified in environments where users have administrative privileges or access to sensitive information, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3373 primarily involve immediate upgrading to patched versions of Apache Wicket 1.4.21 or 1.5.8, which contain proper input sanitization and null byte handling mechanisms. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including application-level filtering of URL parameters and the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Additionally, developers should conduct regular security assessments of their Wicket applications, particularly focusing on Ajax component usage and parameter handling. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of web application vulnerabilities. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.