CVE-2012-5314 in ViewGit
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ViewGit 0.0.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the f parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2019
The CVE-2012-5314 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw in ViewGit version 0.0.6 and earlier, demonstrating a critical weakness in input validation and output encoding mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the f parameter within the ViewGit web application, which serves as a gateway for users to view git repository files through a web interface. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response, creating a persistent vector for exploitation that can compromise user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input passed through the f parameter. When ViewGit processes this parameter, it fails to properly encode or validate the input before rendering it in the web page context. This lack of input validation creates an opening for attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code or HTML tags that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, where the application fails to sanitize user-provided data before incorporating it into dynamic web content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using ViewGit for repository browsing and collaboration. Attackers can exploit this weakness to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious sites, or even execute arbitrary commands within the browser context. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require any local access or special privileges, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of the web application's user interactions and can lead to privilege escalation or data breaches.
The attack surface for CVE-2012-5314 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability as part of a broader exploitation campaign targeting web applications, potentially using it as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable more complex attack vectors such as session hijacking, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment through crafted malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding improvements within the ViewGit application. Organizations should implement proper HTML escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied inputs, particularly parameters like f that are directly rendered in web pages. The recommended approach includes applying strict input validation to reject or sanitize potentially malicious content before processing, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and upgrading to a patched version of ViewGit that addresses this specific vulnerability. Additionally, regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to prevent similar issues in other web applications, aligning with industry best practices for secure coding and application security hygiene.