CVE-2014-9103 in Kunena
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Kunena component before 3.0.6 for Joomla! allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) index value of an array parameter or the filename parameter in the Content-Disposition header to the (2) file or (3) profile image upload functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2022
The CVE-2014-9103 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Kunena component for Joomla community forum component, creating a significant security risk for websites utilizing this software. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the component's handling of user-supplied data during file upload operations, particularly when processing the Content-Disposition header parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors that leverage the component's improper handling of array parameters and file metadata. Attackers can manipulate the index value of array parameters or directly inject malicious content through the filename parameter within the Content-Disposition header during file or profile image uploads. This allows remote threat actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code that gets executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected content. The vulnerability specifically targets the upload functionality where the system fails to properly sanitize user-provided filenames and array indices, creating persistent XSS payloads that can be triggered during normal forum operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. When users browse forum content or profile pages where the malicious files have been uploaded, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially compromising their sessions and allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Joomla! community forums, making it particularly dangerous for sites that rely heavily on user-generated content and file uploads. This type of vulnerability can persist for extended periods if not patched, as the malicious payloads remain embedded in the system's file storage until the vulnerability is addressed.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to Kunena component version 3.0.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. The remediation process involves not only updating the component but also implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred before the patch was applied. Security measures should include input validation at multiple layers, including header parameter sanitization, filename validation, and content type verification during upload processes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic example of improper neutralization of input during web application development. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.005 for the execution of malicious scripts and T1566 for the initial compromise through web application vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for comprehensive web application security controls and regular security assessments.