CVE-2014-4301 in Database Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the respond_error function in routing.py in Eugene Pankov Ajenti before 1.2.21.7 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO to (1) resources.js or (2) resources.css in ajenti:static/, related to the traceback page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4301 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Ajenti web administration interface version 1.2.21.6 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the respond_error function within the routing.py module, which handles error responses in the application's web interface. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious JavaScript or HTML code through manipulation of the PATH_INFO parameter, which is typically used to specify the requested resource path in web applications. The vulnerability manifests when the application generates traceback pages, which are error display mechanisms that provide developers with debugging information when application errors occur.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the PATH_INFO variable that is processed by the respond_error function in the routing.py file. When an error occurs in the Ajenti interface and the traceback page is generated, the system fails to properly sanitize the PATH_INFO parameter before incorporating it into the HTML response. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious scripts that will execute in the context of other users' browsers who view the error page. The vulnerability specifically targets two endpoints: resources.js and resources.css within the ajenti:static/ directory, suggesting that the malicious input can influence how static resources are served or rendered in the error context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the browsers of users who encounter the affected error pages. This creates a persistent threat where malicious actors can establish backdoors, steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or redirect them to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects all users of the Ajenti web interface who encounter error conditions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is publicly accessible or used by multiple users. The XSS attack vector could be leveraged to compromise user sessions, exfiltrate sensitive data, or perform unauthorized administrative actions if users have elevated privileges.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through web shell execution. Organizations using Ajenti versions prior to 1.2.21.7 face substantial risk of exploitation, particularly in environments where the application serves as a critical management interface. The attack requires minimal privileges as it targets a server-side error handling mechanism rather than requiring authentication to the application itself. Security mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 1.2.21.7 or later, implementing proper input sanitization for PATH_INFO parameters, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.