CVE-2014-3926 in Cougar
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in lg.cgi in Cougar LG 1.9 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the "addr" parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2020
The CVE-2014-3926 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Cougar LG 1.9 web application, specifically within the lg.cgi component. This vulnerability resides in the handling of user-supplied input through the "addr" parameter, which fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming data before processing. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers, creating a significant security risk for organizations utilizing this software. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, which directly leads to XSS exploitation opportunities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the lg.cgi script processes the "addr" parameter without adequate input validation or output encoding. When an attacker submits malicious input through this parameter, the application incorporates the unfiltered data into web responses without proper sanitization measures. This allows attackers to inject HTML tags, JavaScript code, or other malicious content that executes in the victim's browser context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or privileged access to exploit, making it accessible to any remote user who can interact with the affected web application.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3926 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and full account compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects the core web application functionality of Cougar LG 1.9, potentially compromising all users who interact with the affected system. This represents a significant risk to web application security and can result in data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper security controls in web applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter sanitization. The recommended approach involves implementing strict validation of all user inputs, particularly those used in dynamic web content generation. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers, using proper HTML encoding for dynamic content, and ensuring all parameters are validated against expected input patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which involves gaining access through web application vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation creates persistent security risks. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attacks.