CVE-2013-6019 in TaxWeb
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Tyler Technologies TaxWeb 3.13.3.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the accountNum parameter to an unspecified component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6019 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Tyler Technologies TaxWeb version 3.13.3.1, classified under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability exists in the web application's handling of user-supplied input through the accountNum parameter, which is processed by an unspecified component within the TaxWeb framework. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser session, potentially compromising user data and application integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the TaxWeb application's parameter processing pipeline. When the accountNum parameter is submitted to the affected component, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that executes within the victim's browser environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit this flaw without requiring physical access to the system or local network presence.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6019 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user credentials, manipulate application data, or redirect users to malicious websites. Given that TaxWeb is a tax preparation and filing application, the compromised data could include sensitive financial information, personal identification details, and tax-related confidential data. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to taxpayer accounts, financial fraud, and potential regulatory compliance violations under data protection standards such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and various state privacy regulations.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation for this vulnerability, beginning with immediate input validation and output encoding measures. The application should employ strict parameter validation that rejects or sanitizes any input containing potentially malicious script content, while also implementing proper HTML escaping mechanisms for all dynamic content generation. Additionally, the implementation of Content Security Policy headers and the use of modern web application firewalls can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations utilizing TaxWeb should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their web applications and ensure that all components are regularly updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and T1566 for social engineering, emphasizing the need for both technical and user awareness defenses.