CVE-2014-3148 in OK Web Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in libahttp/err.c in OkCupid OKWS (OK Web Server) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO to a non-existent page, which is not properly handled in a 404 error page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3148 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the OkCupid OKWS web server implementation. This security weakness resides in the libahttp/err.c component of the OKWS software, specifically affecting how the server handles error conditions when processing requests for non-existent pages. The vulnerability manifests when attackers exploit the PATH_INFO parameter in URL requests directed toward non-existent resources, enabling them to inject malicious scripts that execute within the context of legitimate users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and output encoding within the 404 error handling mechanism of the web server. When a client requests a non-existent page, the OKWS server generates a custom error page that fails to properly escape or filter the PATH_INFO data before incorporating it into the HTML response. This oversight creates a direct pathway for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code, HTML tags, or other harmful content that gets executed when the error page is rendered in a user's browser. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's handling of malformed URLs where the PATH_INFO component contains unvalidated user input that flows directly into the error page generation process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and user interface deception. An attacker could craft malicious URLs that, when accessed by unsuspecting users, would execute scripts designed to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or manipulate the browser interface to display fraudulent content. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers need only send malicious links to victims, making it particularly dangerous in social media environments where users frequently click on links shared by others. This XSS weakness undermines the fundamental security principle of input validation and proper output encoding, potentially allowing full compromise of user sessions and sensitive data exposure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices throughout the web server's error handling routines. Security measures must include proper sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly PATH_INFO parameters, before any inclusion in error page content. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of web server components should verify that all error handling code properly escapes user input. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious URL patterns, and establish robust logging mechanisms to monitor for exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a typical example of how improper input validation can lead to remote code execution capabilities within web applications, making it a critical concern for any organization relying on web server software that does not properly handle error conditions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application vulnerability exploitation technique that can lead to session hijacking and data theft operations.