CVE-2014-6071 in jQuery
Summary
by MITRE
jQuery 1.4.2 allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via vectors related to use of the text method inside after.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6071 affects jQuery version 1.4.2 and represents a significant cross-site scripting flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically manifests when the text method is utilized within the after method, creating a dangerous condition where malicious input can be injected into web applications. The issue stems from improper sanitization of content when jQuery processes text content through the after method, which is commonly used for DOM manipulation in web applications. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting attacks as a result of inadequate input validation and output encoding. When developers use jQuery's after method in conjunction with the text method, the framework fails to properly escape or sanitize potentially malicious content that may be present in the text parameter. This creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable JavaScript code rather than plain text. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because the after method is frequently used for dynamic content insertion, making it a common attack vector in web applications that rely heavily on jQuery for client-side functionality. The flaw exists at the core of jQuery's DOM manipulation capabilities, specifically in how it handles text content within the after method context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple XSS exploitation and can result in severe consequences for web applications and their users. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser, potentially gaining access to sensitive information stored in cookies, local storage, or session data. The vulnerability affects applications that use jQuery 1.4.2 for dynamic content rendering, making it particularly dangerous in content management systems, web applications with user-generated content, and any platform where text content is dynamically inserted into the DOM. Additionally, the widespread adoption of jQuery 1.4.2 in legacy web applications means that numerous systems were potentially exposed to this vulnerability, creating a substantial attack surface across various organizations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-6071 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades and proper input sanitization practices. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to newer versions of jQuery that have addressed this vulnerability, as version 1.4.2 is considered obsolete and no longer supported. The recommended approach involves implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being processed through DOM manipulation methods. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances where the affected jQuery methods are used within applications, particularly focusing on areas that handle user input. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and other browser security measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers against exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for scripting languages, highlighting the need for proper code validation and sanitization in client-side applications. Regular security audits and dependency monitoring are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through outdated or unpatched libraries in web applications.