CVE-2015-3397 in Yii Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Yii Framework before 2.0.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to JSON, arrays, and Internet Explorer 6 or 7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2019
The CVE-2015-3397 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Yii Framework version 2.0.3 and earlier, exposing applications to remote code execution through malicious script injection. This vulnerability specifically targets the framework's handling of JSON data structures and array processing, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within user browsers. The issue manifests particularly when applications process user-supplied data through JSON parsing functions or array manipulation methods, allowing attackers to craft malicious inputs that bypass standard security filters and validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper sanitization of input data when Yii Framework processes JSON payloads or array structures. Attackers can manipulate the framework's internal data handling routines to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of legitimate users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects older versions of Internet Explorer 6 and 7, which were still in use during the time of this vulnerability's discovery. These older browsers exhibited specific parsing behaviors that made them more susceptible to the XSS payload injection, leveraging their less sophisticated security models compared to modern browser implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user data, redirect users to malicious websites, or even execute full browser compromise attacks. Applications built on the Yii Framework that process external JSON data or user inputs through array-based operations become vulnerable to these attacks, potentially affecting thousands of users depending on the application's scope and user base. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple data types including JSON and arrays makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various input vectors within the same application, increasing the attack surface significantly.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as a primary concern in web application security. The attack pattern follows typical XSS exploitation techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the 'Command and Control' and 'Execution' phases, where attackers establish persistent access through malicious script injection. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Yii Framework version 2.0.4 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing comprehensive input validation, utilizing Content Security Policy headers, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other frameworks or custom code implementations.