CVE-2012-4052 in Jease
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Jease before 2.9, when creating a comment, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) author, (2) subject, or (3) comment parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2019
The CVE-2012-4052 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Jease content management system prior to version 2.9. This vulnerability specifically affects the comment creation functionality within the application, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the comment submission process, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user-generated content. The affected parameters include author name, subject line, and comment text fields, all of which are processed without adequate sanitization measures. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a fundamental weakness in web application security architecture.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through any of the three vulnerable parameters during comment creation. When the application processes these inputs and displays them without proper HTML escaping or sanitization, the injected scripts execute in the browsers of other users who view the affected comments. This creates a persistent XSS attack vector where malicious code can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or defacing the application interface. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for public-facing web applications where users can submit comments without strict moderation.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-4052 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to compromise user sessions and access sensitive information. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to hijack user sessions, modify content, or redirect users to phishing sites that mimic legitimate application interfaces. The vulnerability's persistence in the comment system means that once exploited, the malicious scripts remain active until the comments are removed or the application is patched. This creates ongoing security risks for organizations using Jease, as compromised user sessions can lead to unauthorized access to administrative functions and data breaches. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application by providing attackers with persistent access vectors.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-submitted content, particularly in comment and feedback systems. The most effective remediation involves implementing proper HTML escaping mechanisms for all dynamic content before rendering it in web pages. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution and employ regular security testing including automated vulnerability scanning and manual penetration testing. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive input sanitization. Organizations should also establish robust patch management processes to ensure timely application of security updates, as this vulnerability was addressed in Jease version 2.9, demonstrating the critical importance of keeping web applications current with security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.