CVE-2014-9733 in nw.js
Summary
by MITRE
nw.js before 0.11.5 can simulate user input events in a normal frame, which allows remote attackers to cause unspecified impact via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9733 affects nw.js versions prior to 0.11.5, representing a significant security flaw in the desktop application framework that bridges web technologies with native desktop functionality. This issue stems from improper handling of user input simulation capabilities within the framework's normal execution context, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by remote adversaries to manipulate application behavior through crafted input events.
The technical flaw manifests in nw.js's implementation where the framework allows malicious code to simulate user input events within standard frames without proper security boundaries or validation checks. This capability bypasses expected security models that should normally restrict such operations to prevent unauthorized manipulation of application interfaces. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and desktop application security, where the nw.js framework's event handling mechanisms fail to properly isolate or validate input simulation requests originating from web content.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to potentially execute arbitrary actions within applications built using nw.js, creating risks ranging from data manipulation and unauthorized access to potential privilege escalation scenarios. The unspecified impact mentioned in the description suggests that the consequences could vary significantly depending on the target application's functionality and security configuration, potentially allowing attackers to perform actions that would normally require legitimate user interaction. The attack vector through unknown vectors indicates that the exploitation methods may be varied and potentially difficult to detect or predict.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and CWE-352, which covers cross-site request forgery, as it involves unauthorized manipulation of application state through simulated user events. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and script interpreter and T1070.004 for indicator removal on host, as attackers could use simulated input to bypass security controls or manipulate application interfaces. The security implications extend beyond simple input simulation to potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks through manipulation of user interface elements and application state.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate upgrading to nw.js version 0.11.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and security boundary enforcement. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially vulnerable applications, while conducting thorough security assessments of all nw.js applications to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies, restricting web content execution privileges, and monitoring for unusual input simulation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts.