CVE-2014-3875 in Fast File EXchange
Summary
by MITRE
The addto parameter to fup in Frams' Fast File EXchange (F*EX, aka fex) before fex-2014053 allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3875 affects Frams' Fast File EXchange (FEX) application, specifically targeting the addto parameter within the fup function. This flaw represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The vulnerability exists in versions of FEX prior to fex-2014053, indicating that it was a known issue that was subsequently addressed through software updates. The attack vector involves manipulating the addto parameter to manipulate the fup function, which is typically used for file upload operations within the application's interface. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical security weakness in web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the F*EX application's file upload handling mechanism. When users interact with the file upload functionality and provide malicious input through the addto parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the data before incorporating it into the web page's HTML output. This allows attackers to inject JavaScript code or other malicious content that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected page. The vulnerability specifically impacts the fup function which handles file upload operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during legitimate file transfer activities when users are least expecting security threats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in victims' browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized access to user accounts, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The threat is particularly concerning in file exchange environments where users may upload sensitive documents or files, as the malicious scripts could access and manipulate these resources. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting, enabling attackers to establish persistent access through malicious code execution within the application's legitimate user interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate software updates to versions of F*EX that address the specific XSS flaw in the fup function. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious data from being processed through the addto parameter. The fix should include sanitizing all user-supplied input before it is processed or displayed, particularly in web application contexts where user interaction is involved. Additionally, implementing content security policies and proper HTTP headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against XSS exploitation. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in web applications, ensuring that the application follows secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards.