CVE-2013-5587 in Best Practical
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Request Tracker (RT) 4.x before 4.0.13, when MakeClicky is configured, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a URL in a ticket. NOTE: this issue has been SPLIT from CVE-2013-3371 due to different affected versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-5587 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Request Tracker (RT) ticketing system version 4.x prior to 4.0.13. This security weakness specifically manifests when the MakeClicky configuration option is enabled, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the RT application's handling of URL parameters in ticket submissions, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content that gets rendered in the victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters within ticket entries, where the MakeClicky feature processes and displays these URLs without proper sanitization. When a victim views a ticket containing maliciously crafted URL parameters, the injected scripts execute in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This flaw operates at the application layer and directly violates the principle of proper input validation and output encoding as defined by CWE-79, which classifies cross-site scripting vulnerabilities under the broader category of improper neutralization of input during web output. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that RT systems often contain sensitive organizational data, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous for enterprise environments.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised user's privileges within the RT system. Attackers could potentially use this vector to escalate privileges, access confidential ticket data, or establish persistent access points within the organization's ticketing infrastructure. The vulnerability's presence in RT versions prior to 4.0.13 indicates a long-standing flaw in the application's security architecture, particularly concerning how it handles user-provided content in web contexts. According to ATT&CK framework classification, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing) and T1059.007 (Scripting), as it enables attackers to deliver malicious scripts through compromised ticket content and execute code within victim browsers. The vulnerability's impact is further compounded by the fact that RT systems are frequently used in support environments where users may have elevated privileges, making the potential for privilege escalation and data exfiltration particularly severe.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the patch released in RT version 4.0.13, which addresses the input validation issues in the MakeClicky feature. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious URL patterns, while also reviewing existing ticket content for potential exploitation. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input validation for all user-provided content, proper output encoding of dynamic data, and regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in ticket submissions and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input sanitization in web applications and the necessity of regular security updates to protect against known vulnerabilities in widely-used open-source software components.