CVE-2015-6011 in Web Reference Database
Summary
by MITRE
Web Reference Database (aka refbase) through 0.9.6 and bleeding-edge before 2015-01-08 allows remote attackers to conduct XML injection attacks via (1) the id parameter to unapi.php or (2) the stylesheet parameter to sru.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6011 affects Web Reference Database systems known as refbase, specifically versions 0.9.6 and earlier, as well as bleeding-edge versions prior to 2015-01-08. This represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute XML injection attacks against the application's web interfaces. The vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that target different script endpoints within the refbase system architecture. The first vector involves manipulation of the id parameter in the unapi.php script, while the second vector targets the stylesheet parameter in the sru.php script, both of which are integral components of the reference database's web service interfaces.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the XML processing mechanisms of the refbase application. When the system processes the id parameter in unapi.php or the stylesheet parameter in sru.php, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into XML documents or processing XML requests. This deficiency creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary XML content that the application will subsequently process, potentially leading to unauthorized access to system resources or execution of malicious code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-91 and CWE-611 categories, which specifically address XML injection and XML external entity processing flaws respectively, demonstrating how improper handling of structured data can create significant security risks in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within the refbase environment. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive bibliographic data, potentially gain unauthorized administrative privileges, or even execute arbitrary code on the server hosting the reference database. The attack vectors are particularly concerning because they target core web service endpoints that are likely to be accessible without authentication, making the vulnerability exploitable by any remote attacker with basic network access. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213 which describes data from information repositories, and T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation, indicating that the vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more comprehensive attacks against the affected systems.
Organizations utilizing refbase systems should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the application of security patches released by the software vendors. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to versions of refbase that contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for XML processing. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as web application firewalls and input filtering rules can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to ensure that no other XML processing components within their reference management systems remain vulnerable to similar injection attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper XML handling in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple input parameters can create significant security exposure when not properly validated and sanitized against malicious content.