CVE-2014-4406 in OS X Server
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Xcode Server in CoreCollaboration in Apple OS X Server before 3.2.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2022
The CVE-2014-4406 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within Apple's Xcode Server software, specifically affecting the CoreCollaboration component of OS X Server versions prior to 3.2.1. This vulnerability exposes organizations using Apple's development infrastructure to significant security risks through the injection of malicious web scripts or HTML content. The flaw resides in the server's handling of user input within the collaborative development environment, creating an attack surface that remote adversaries can exploit without requiring authentication or privileged access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection as it can potentially enable attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of affected users' browsers, making it particularly dangerous for development teams working in shared or public environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors within the CoreCollaboration framework, suggesting that the flaw may exist across multiple input handling mechanisms within the Xcode Server's collaborative features. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of other users who interact with the compromised server. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that threat actors do not need physical access to the system or network to exploit the flaw, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on Xcode Server for collaborative development workflows. The absence of authentication requirements for exploitation further amplifies the risk, as any user with access to the server's collaborative features can potentially become a vector for malicious activity.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4406 extends beyond immediate script injection capabilities to encompass potential data theft, session hijacking, and privilege escalation within the development environment. Organizations utilizing Xcode Server for continuous integration, code review, or collaborative development may experience compromised development workflows where malicious actors can manipulate code reviews, inject backdoors, or exfiltrate sensitive development artifacts. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but entire development teams, as compromised scripts can persist and affect multiple users within the collaborative environment. Additionally, the flaw can enable attackers to establish persistent access to development environments, potentially compromising source code repositories and build systems. The vulnerability's presence in the CoreCollaboration component suggests that it impacts features related to team communication, code sharing, and project management within the Xcode Server ecosystem, making it particularly disruptive to collaborative development processes.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to Xcode Server version 3.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of Xcode Server to untrusted networks or users. Input validation and sanitization measures should be strengthened throughout the collaborative development environment to reduce the attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual script injection patterns or suspicious user activities within the Xcode Server environment. The vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers phishing and social engineering attacks through web-based vectors, indicates that organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to prevent exploitation. Regular security assessments of development infrastructure and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the software development lifecycle.