CVE-2014-8957 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in OpenKM before 6.4.19 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the Tasks parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The CVE-2014-8957 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the OpenKM document management system prior to version 6.4.19. This vulnerability specifically affects the Tasks parameter handling within the application's web interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-79, which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental weakness in web application security. This weakness falls squarely within the ATT&CK framework's web application attack patterns, specifically under the T1059.008 technique for command and scripting interpreter using PowerShell and similar scripting languages.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated users with valid credentials attempt to interact with the Tasks functionality of OpenKM, which fails to properly sanitize or validate user input before processing. This lack of input validation creates an environment where malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed in the browsers of other legitimate users who access the affected system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, and the authenticated requirement indicates that the threat can originate from within the organization's trusted user base, potentially escalating to more severe attacks. The Tasks parameter serves as the attack vector where user-supplied data bypasses security controls, allowing for script injection that can persist across user sessions until the malicious code is executed or the system is patched.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers can leverage existing user permissions and access levels, making the potential damage more significant than typical public XSS vulnerabilities. Attackers could use this vulnerability to access sensitive documents, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access through session hijacking techniques. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for phishing attacks where malicious scripts could redirect users to fraudulent websites or steal login credentials. Organizations relying on OpenKM for document management and collaboration face increased risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the exposure of sensitive information through this scripting vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8957 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patch for OpenKM version 6.4.19 or later, which addresses the input validation issues in the Tasks parameter handling. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other application components. The security controls should include proper validation of all user-supplied data, particularly parameters that are processed in web contexts, and implementation of Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential injection points, with particular attention to areas handling user input in web applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also establish security awareness training for users to recognize potential social engineering attempts that might accompany XSS attacks, and maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes to ensure timely patch deployment across all systems. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patch to ensure it does not introduce regressions in system functionality while effectively addressing the identified vulnerability.