CVE-2014-3988 in KCFinder
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in index.php in SunHater KCFinder 3.11 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) file or (2) directory (folder) name of an uploaded file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The CVE-2014-3988 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in SunHater KCFinder version 3.11 and earlier, which exposes web applications to persistent security risks through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script within the file manager component, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of victim users' browsers. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data during file upload operations, where attackers can manipulate file or directory names to inject malicious scripts that will execute when the file manager interface is accessed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file or directory name parameters during file upload processes. When users upload files with maliciously crafted names containing script tags or other XSS payloads, these inputs are not properly sanitized before being rendered in the web interface. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack vector that can be triggered when the affected application displays these unvalidated names in its file listing or management interface. This creates a persistent threat where malicious code can be executed in the context of any user who views the compromised file listing, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-3988 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to vulnerable systems through session manipulation and credential harvesting. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in victims' browsers, potentially leading to full session compromise, data exfiltration, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects web applications that integrate KCFinder file management functionality, making it a significant concern for content management systems, web applications, and online editors that rely on this file manager component. The vulnerability's persistence lies in its ability to remain active as long as the compromised file or directory exists in the system, creating ongoing security risks for all users who interact with the affected file manager interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3988 should focus on immediate remediation through version updates to KCFinder 3.12 or later, which include proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly in file name handling processes, following the principle of least privilege and input sanitization best practices. Security measures should include the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, regular security audits of file upload functionality, and monitoring for suspicious file name patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles for defensive measures, specifically focusing on preventing execution of malicious code through proper input validation and output encoding, as well as implementing network segmentation to limit the impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar input validation flaws in other web application components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.