CVE-2014-5016 in LimeSurvey
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in LimeSurvey 2.05+ Build 140618 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the pid attribute to the getAttribute_json function to application/controllers/admin/participantsaction.php in CPDB, (2) the sa parameter to application/views/admin/globalSettings_view.php, or (3) a crafted CSV file to the "Import CSV" functionality.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2022
The CVE-2014-5016 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting LimeSurvey versions 2.05 and later, specifically build 140618 and onwards. This vulnerability exists within the web application's input validation mechanisms and allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of affected users' browsers. The vulnerability impacts the core functionality of LimeSurvey's participant management system and global settings configuration, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on this survey platform for data collection and user interaction.
The technical flaw manifests through three distinct attack vectors that exploit insufficient input sanitization within the application's codebase. The first vector targets the pid attribute within the getAttribute_json function located in application/controllers/admin/participantsaction.php, which operates within the CPDB (Central Participant Database) module. The second vector exploits the sa parameter in application/views/admin/globalSettings_view.php, while the third vector utilizes crafted CSV files during the import functionality. These attack paths demonstrate a pattern of inadequate output escaping and input validation that allows malicious payloads to be stored and subsequently executed when legitimate users interact with the vulnerable application components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user credentials, and manipulate survey data. When attackers successfully inject malicious scripts through the CSV import functionality, they can potentially compromise the entire survey database and user information stored within LimeSurvey. The vulnerability affects administrative users who manage participant data and global settings, creating a potential escalation path that could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges within the application. Additionally, the persistence of these vulnerabilities through CSV imports means that even users with limited access rights could potentially introduce malicious code that executes when other users view or interact with the imported data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5016 should focus on immediate input validation and output sanitization measures, with the most effective approach being the application of security patches provided by LimeSurvey developers. Organizations should implement strict validation of all user-supplied input, particularly for file upload functionalities, and employ Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1566, focusing on credential access through spearphishing attachments. Network-level defenses should include web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection patterns, while application-level protections should enforce proper HTML escaping and implement a principle of least privilege for file upload operations. Regular security audits of the application's input handling mechanisms and user access controls are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the platform.