CVE-2015-1773 in Flex
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in asdoc/templates/index.html in Apache Flex before 4.14.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML by providing a crafted URI to JavaScript code generated by the asdoc component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
The CVE-2015-1773 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in Apache Flex's asdoc component that existed prior to version 4.14.1. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.html template file within the asdoc documentation generation system, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through carefully crafted URIs. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the documentation generation process, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into the generated HTML output without proper security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the asdoc component's JavaScript code generation mechanism, which processes user-provided parameters and incorporates them into dynamically created web content. When a malicious URI is passed to the asdoc system, the component fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers who view the generated documentation. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through web-based interfaces where the documentation system is accessible, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access shared documentation portals.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious websites. In corporate environments where Apache Flex documentation systems are used to generate internal technical documentation, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain access to sensitive information or compromise user sessions. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through standard web browsing activities, requiring minimal user interaction beyond accessing the vulnerable documentation system. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 for social engineering through malicious web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1773 primarily involve upgrading to Apache Flex version 4.14.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URI patterns, and conduct regular security assessments of documentation generation systems. Input validation should be strengthened to ensure that all user-provided data is properly escaped before being incorporated into generated HTML content, and developers should follow secure coding practices that prevent direct injection of untrusted data into web pages. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable documentation systems to untrusted networks, while regular monitoring of web traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts.