CVE-2014-3595 in spacewalk-java
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in spacewalk-java 1.2.39, 1.7.54, and 2.0.2 in Spacewalk and Red Hat Network (RHN) Satellite 5.4 through 5.6 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted request that is not properly handled when logging.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2025
The CVE-2014-3595 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting Spacewalk Java versions 1.2.39, 1.7.54, and 2.0.2 within the Spacewalk and Red Hat Network Satellite 5.4 through 5.6 platforms. This vulnerability resides in the logging mechanism of these systems, specifically in how they process and handle crafted HTTP requests that contain malicious script content. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers who interact with the affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the logging component, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into log entries or display contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious HTTP request containing XSS payloads that are then processed by the logging subsystem. When these requests are logged and subsequently displayed or processed by the web interface, the embedded scripts execute in the browser context of authenticated users. This creates a persistent threat vector where malicious code can be injected into the application's logging infrastructure and subsequently executed against users who view the logs or interact with the affected components. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the logging framework, which typically processes data from multiple sources and may not apply the same security controls as the primary application logic. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how insecure logging practices can create attack vectors that extend beyond the intended scope of application security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3595 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user credentials, redirect victims to malicious sites, or execute unauthorized administrative actions within the affected systems. The vulnerability affects organizations using Spacewalk or Red Hat Network Satellite 5.4 through 5.6, which are typically enterprise-level systems managing large numbers of client machines and sensitive configuration data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system management interfaces, potentially leading to complete compromise of the management infrastructure. The persistent nature of log-based attacks means that malicious scripts can remain active for extended periods, continuously executing against users who access the affected systems. This vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through web-based interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3595 should focus on immediate patching of affected Spacewalk and RHN Satellite versions, with comprehensive input validation and output encoding implemented throughout the logging framework. Organizations should implement strict sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those processed through logging mechanisms, and ensure that log data is properly escaped before display in web interfaces. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of affected systems, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect suspicious logging patterns. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and proper input validation frameworks can provide additional protection layers. Regular security assessments of logging components and comprehensive testing of input handling mechanisms should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other parts of the system architecture. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting these specific vulnerabilities.