CVE-2013-3267 in Joomla
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the highlighter plugin in Joomla! 2.5.x before 2.5.10 and 3.0.x before 3.0.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2022
The CVE-2013-3267 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Joomla! content management systems affecting versions prior to 2.5.10 and 3.0.4. This vulnerability specifically targets the highlighter plugin component, which is designed to provide syntax highlighting functionality for code snippets within web content. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions on behalf of victims. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors, suggesting that the attack surface may encompass multiple input points within the plugin's functionality, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit various entry points to deliver malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the XSS to execute arbitrary scripts on victim systems. The impact extends beyond simple script execution since the highlighter plugin typically processes user-submitted content, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in widely-used Joomla versions means that numerous websites could be compromised, particularly those relying on the highlighter plugin for code display functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the highlighter plugin's code processing logic. When users submit content containing code snippets or other formatted text that the plugin processes, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before rendering it in web pages. This allows attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code that executes when other users view the affected content. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple areas within the plugin may be susceptible to such injection attacks, potentially including parameters passed through forms, URL query strings, or even content stored in databases. Attackers could craft malicious payloads that exploit the highlighter's processing functions to inject scripts that persist in the application's rendering logic, making the vulnerability particularly insidious as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. The vulnerability's nature makes it difficult to predict all possible attack vectors, as different input formats and processing paths within the plugin may each present unique opportunities for exploitation. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting, where attackers can leverage the XSS to execute malicious code through various scripting mechanisms within the web application.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3267 extends far beyond simple data corruption or display issues, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected Joomla installations. When exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to perform session hijacking attacks, steal user credentials, modify website content, or redirect users to malicious sites. The highlighter plugin's functionality makes it particularly attractive to attackers since it processes code snippets that users frequently submit, creating multiple opportunities for exploitation. Organizations using vulnerable Joomla versions may experience unauthorized access to administrative panels, data breaches, or complete website compromise. The vulnerability also poses risks to user privacy and trust, as victims may unknowingly execute malicious code while viewing content they trust. The long-term impact includes potential damage to brand reputation, regulatory compliance violations, and increased security maintenance costs for affected organizations. The vulnerability's persistence in widely-used software versions means that many websites remained exposed for extended periods, creating a significant attack surface for cybercriminals. Security professionals must consider the vulnerability's implications for web application security frameworks and the importance of proper input validation in preventing such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely patch management and proper security testing in web application development.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3267 primarily focus on immediate remediation through version updates, as the most effective solution involves upgrading to Joomla! versions 2.5.10 or 3.0.4 where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable highlighter plugin and ensure proper patch deployment across all affected systems. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conducting regular security audits of plugin components. Input validation and output sanitization should be enhanced throughout the application to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components. Security teams should also implement monitoring systems to detect unusual script execution patterns or unauthorized content modifications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of following security standards such as those defined by OWASP and NIST. Organizations should establish robust patch management processes and regular security testing protocols to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures and the potential consequences of delayed patch deployment in web application environments. Proper security training for developers and administrators is essential to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles and to ensure comprehensive vulnerability management across all application components.