CVE-2016-2138 in kippo-graph
Summary
by MITRE • 07/28/2022
In kippo-graph before version 1.5.1, there is a cross-site scripting vulnerability in xss_clean() in class/KippoInput.class.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2138 affects kippo-graph versions prior to 1.5.1, specifically targeting a cross-site scripting flaw within the xss_clean() function located in the class/KippoInput.class.php file. This represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or escape user-supplied data before it is rendered in web pages.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a failure in proper input validation and output encoding practices, which directly aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The xss_clean() function, designed to protect against cross-site scripting attacks, contains a critical implementation error that permits malicious payloads to bypass security measures. This weakness typically occurs when developers assume that certain input filtering mechanisms will adequately protect against all forms of injection attacks, failing to account for edge cases or implementation gaps in their sanitization routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user information, redirect victims to malicious sites, or even execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser context. When exploited, this vulnerability allows threat actors to compromise the confidentiality and integrity of user interactions with the kippo-graph application, potentially leading to unauthorized access to system resources and data exfiltration. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that kippo-graph is designed to visualize honeypot data, making it a target for adversaries seeking to manipulate or exploit security monitoring tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 1.5.1 or later, which includes corrected input sanitization routines. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including server-side filtering and proper output encoding for all user-supplied data. The remediation approach should follow established security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten prevention guidelines, specifically addressing the XSS prevention techniques outlined in the OWASP XSS Prevention Cheat Sheet. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security code reviews can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust input validation and the necessity of thorough security testing, particularly for web applications that process untrusted data from external sources.