CVE-2015-4706 in IPython
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in IPython 3.x before 3.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving JSON error messages and the /api/contents path.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2022
The CVE-2015-4706 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in IPython versions 3.x prior to 3.2, specifically targeting the web application interface that handles JSON error messages through the /api/contents endpoint. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the IPython web server implementation, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when IPython processes JSON error messages that contain unescaped user-supplied data within the /api/contents path. When the web application fails to properly sanitize or encode special characters in error responses, attackers can craft malicious payloads that bypass the application's security controls. The vulnerability specifically impacts the JSON error handling mechanism where user-provided content is reflected back to the browser without appropriate sanitization. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be triggered through various means including malformed file names, directory paths, or content uploads that generate error responses containing the attacker's malicious input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations utilizing IPython notebooks in collaborative environments or shared computing platforms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or privilege escalation within the IPython environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where multiple users access shared IPython servers, as it could enable attackers to gain access to sensitive research data, analytical code, or other confidential information processed through the notebook interface. The attack surface extends beyond simple script execution to include potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might manipulate the notebook server to perform unauthorized operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4706 involve immediate patching of IPython installations to version 3.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewall rules to monitor and filter suspicious JSON error message content, particularly focusing on the /api/contents endpoint. The remediation process should include thorough input sanitization of all user-supplied data before processing and ensuring that error messages are properly escaped when rendered in web contexts. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution within the IPython web interface. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments of web applications and implement proper logging and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1566 (Phishing) as it enables attackers to harvest user session information and potentially escalate privileges through malicious script execution within the notebook environment.