CVE-2014-9580 in ProjectSend
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ProjectSend (formerly cFTP) r561 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the Description field in a file upload. NOTE: this issue was originally incorrectly mapped to CVE-2014-1155; see CVE-2014-1155 for more information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9580 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within ProjectSend, formerly known as cFTP, affecting version r561 of the application. This web-based security weakness resides in the file upload functionality where the Description field fails to properly sanitize user input before processing. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system compromise. ProjectSend is a file sharing platform designed for managing and distributing files between users, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on the application for document management and collaboration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the application's file upload handler. When users upload files and provide descriptions, the system does not adequately filter or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject crafted payloads that execute when other users view the affected file descriptions. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the Description field, which serves as the primary attack vector for XSS exploitation. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. An attacker could craft a file description containing malicious JavaScript that would execute whenever any user views the file details page, effectively compromising all users who interact with the affected system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where ProjectSend might be used for sharing confidential documents, as it could lead to data breaches or unauthorized access to proprietary information. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers do not require physical access or local system privileges to exploit the flaw, making it accessible to anyone with network connectivity to the affected server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9580 should prioritize immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures within the ProjectSend application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied data, particularly in fields like Description, undergoes strict sanitization before being stored or displayed. The recommended approach involves implementing proper HTML escaping mechanisms and employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to prevent unauthorized script execution. Additionally, organizations should consider upgrading to patched versions of ProjectSend where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and output encoding. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, indicating the exploitation pathway through malicious script injection. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in web applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in preventing XSS attacks. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review of all user input handling mechanisms and implementation of automated security testing protocols to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.