CVE-2014-100006 in webtrees
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in modules_v3/googlemap/wt_v3_street_view.php in webtrees before 1.5.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) map, (2) streetview, or (3) reset parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-100006 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in webtrees version 1.5.1 and earlier, affecting the modules_v3/googlemap/wt_v3_street_view.php component. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web application's geolocation mapping functionality, which processes user-supplied parameters through three distinct input vectors: map, streetview, and reset parameters. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored or reflected XSS attack vector that enables malicious actors to inject executable web scripts or HTML content into the application's response.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers provide malicious input through any of the three vulnerable parameters, allowing them to inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML elements that get executed in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw exists because the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web page content, particularly within the Google Maps integration module. This creates a persistent security risk where authenticated and unauthenticated users can be affected, with the potential for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to manipulate the webtrees application interface and potentially escalate privileges within the application context. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform actions such as stealing user sessions, modifying application behavior, or redirecting users to phishing sites. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of webtrees' mapping features, which are commonly used for genealogical research and family tree visualization, making it particularly dangerous for users who rely on these features for sensitive genealogical data management. The attack surface is broad due to the popularity of webtrees as a genealogy management platform, increasing the potential for widespread exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to webtrees version 1.5.2 or later, which implements proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement comprehensive input filtering and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious data from being executed as scripts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution sources. Regular security auditing of web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content, should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten Project categories related to XSS vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting these specific parameter injection vectors.