CVE-2014-10065 in remarkable
Summary
by MITRE
Certain input when passed into remarkable before 1.4.1 will bypass the bad prototcol check that disallows the javascript: scheme allowing for javascript: url's to be injected into the rendered content.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-10065 affects the remarkable library version 1.4.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in input validation mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided content that undergoes processing within the remarkable markdown rendering engine. The vulnerability specifically targets the protocol validation logic that is designed to prevent execution of potentially malicious javascript: URLs within rendered content. When users provide input containing javascript: scheme URLs, the flawed validation logic fails to properly identify and block these dangerous constructs, allowing them to bypass security checks and be embedded directly into the final rendered output.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the library's failure to properly validate URL schemes during the markdown processing pipeline. The remarkable library employs a protocol checking mechanism to prevent execution of javascript: schemes, which are commonly used in cross-site scripting attacks and other malicious activities. However, the validation function contains a logic flaw that permits javascript: URLs to pass through undetected, effectively undermining the security controls designed to protect against such threats. This flaw represents a classic example of improper input validation and sanitization, which is categorized under CWE-20 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system, specifically addressing "Improper Input Validation." The vulnerability creates an injection vector that allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code into the rendered content, potentially enabling unauthorized actions on behalf of users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple content rendering, as it opens pathways for sophisticated attacks including cross-site scripting exploitation and potential privilege escalation within applications that rely on remarkable for content processing. When javascript: URLs are successfully injected into rendered content, they can execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to data theft, session hijacking, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core rendering functionality of the library, meaning that any application using remarkable for processing user-generated content becomes vulnerable to this attack vector. This creates a widespread risk across applications that depend on the library, as the flaw exists at the library level rather than in individual application implementations, making it a systemic security concern.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-10065 require immediate action to upgrade to version 1.4.1 or later of the remarkable library, which contains the patched protocol validation logic. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures beyond the library's built-in protections, including additional content filtering and validation layers. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all applications utilizing remarkable to identify potential exposure points and ensure proper patching procedures are followed. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. Additionally, implementing content security policies and using web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through compromised client-side rendering processes, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams responsible for protecting web applications and user data.