CVE-2012-3551 in crowbar
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in crowbar_framework/app/views/support/index.html.haml in the Crowbar barclamp in Crowbar, possibly 1.4 and earlier, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the file parameter to /utils.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The CVE-2012-3551 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Crowbar framework's barclamp implementation, specifically affecting versions 1.4 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the support index view file located at crowbar_framework/app/views/support/index.html.haml, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates through the file parameter of the /utils endpoint, which serves as an entry point for various administrative utilities within the Crowbar platform.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the application's view rendering mechanism. When the file parameter is processed through the /utils endpoint, the framework fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into the HTML output. This inadequate sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the victim's browser context. The vulnerability manifests as a classic reflected XSS attack, where the malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user without proper encoding or validation. According to CWE-79, this vulnerability directly maps to the Common Weakness Enumeration's definition of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically the reflected variant where attacker-controlled data is immediately reflected back to the user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised user's session. Attackers could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface the application interface, or execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft or privilege escalation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in administrative contexts where Crowbar is used for infrastructure management, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to critical system management functions. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an authenticated user, automatically execute the payload without requiring additional user interaction beyond the initial click.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3551 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application stack. Organizations should immediately upgrade to versions of Crowbar that address this vulnerability, as version 1.4 and earlier contain the vulnerable code paths. The recommended approach involves implementing strict parameter validation for the file parameter, ensuring that all user-supplied input undergoes proper sanitization before being rendered in the HTML output. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. According to ATT&CK framework's T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, this vulnerability could be exploited to establish persistent access through malicious script injection, making immediate remediation essential for maintaining the security posture of the affected systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK's T1566.001 for social engineering, as attackers may craft convincing phishing campaigns to exploit this flaw, particularly targeting administrators who regularly use the Crowbar management interface.