CVE-2013-4691 in Connect
Summary
by MITRE
Sencha Labs Connect has XSS with connect.methodOverride()
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4691 affects Sencha Labs Connect, a web application framework that provides server-side functionality for Sencha applications. This particular vulnerability manifests as a cross-site scripting flaw that specifically involves the connect.methodOverride() function, which is commonly used to handle HTTP method override patterns in web applications. The issue arises when the framework fails to properly sanitize user input that is processed through this method override functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the method override implementation. When Sencha Labs Connect processes HTTP requests that utilize method override patterns, typically through hidden form fields or custom headers, the framework does not adequately sanitize the incoming data before incorporating it into the response. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when executed in a victim's browser, can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing unauthorized commands on behalf of the user. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation within the affected application environment. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, manipulate application data, or establish persistent backdoors through the injected malicious scripts. The attack surface is particularly concerning because method override functionality is commonly used in RESTful applications and web frameworks to handle HTTP methods like PUT and DELETE through POST requests, making this vulnerability prevalent in applications that rely on such patterns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing with social engineering, as attackers can leverage the XSS to deliver malicious payloads through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4691 should focus on implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms throughout the Sencha Labs Connect framework. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data passing through the connect.methodOverride() function is properly validated and escaped before being incorporated into web responses. The recommended approach includes implementing Content Security Policy headers, using parameterized input validation, and updating to patched versions of Sencha Labs Connect where available. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews of any custom implementations that utilize method override patterns and implement web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns. Additionally, regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be performed to identify similar vulnerabilities in the application's codebase.