CVE-2015-1032 in Kiwix
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Kiwix before 0.9.1, when using kiwix-serve, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the pattern parameter to /search.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-1032 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Kiwix software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.9.1 when utilizing the kiwix-serve component. This vulnerability exposes users to significant security risks by allowing remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through a carefully crafted pattern parameter submitted to the /search endpoint. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the search functionality, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation, encoding, or sanitization. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting script code that gets executed when other users view the affected search results. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web interface component of kiwix-serve, making it particularly dangerous for environments where multiple users access shared content through the same search functionality.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to organizations and individuals using Kiwix for content delivery and access. Attackers can exploit this flaw to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface content, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential lateral movement within network environments where Kiwix is deployed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in educational or research settings where users might be accessing sensitive information through Kiwix platforms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 0.9.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly sanitize input parameters. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that filter or encode special characters in search parameters, particularly those that could be interpreted as HTML or script tags. Additionally, deploying web application firewalls and implementing proper content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. The remediation process should also include thorough security testing of all input handling mechanisms and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input sanitization in web applications and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in content delivery systems.