CVE-2016-3670 in Liferay
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in users.jsp in the Profile Search functionality in Liferay before 7.0.0 CE RC1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the FirstName field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3670 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Profile Search functionality of Liferay Portal versions prior to 7.0.0 CE RC1. This issue specifically affects the users.jsp page where the FirstName field serves as an entry point for malicious input injection. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within the web application's response. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious JavaScript code or HTML content through the FirstName parameter, which then gets executed in the context of other users' browsers when the affected page is accessed. The flaw exists in the application's failure to implement proper security controls during the data processing lifecycle, particularly in the handling of user profile information within the search interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in software applications. This weakness allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it leverages the Profile Search functionality, which is likely accessed by multiple users within the portal environment, amplifying the potential impact of a successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient output escaping where user-provided data flows directly into HTML output without proper sanitization, creating a persistent security gap in the application's defensive mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using Liferay Portal, particularly those with user-centric applications where profile information is frequently accessed and searched. The impact extends beyond simple script execution to potentially compromise entire user sessions and access controls within the portal environment. Attackers could craft malicious payloads that steal authentication cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the portal by undermining the trust boundary between user inputs and application outputs, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive profile data and system resources. Organizations relying on Liferay Portal for business-critical applications face substantial risk of data breaches and unauthorized system access if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the patched Liferay version 7.0.0 CE RC1 or subsequent releases that address this XSS vulnerability through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization controls that validate and filter all user-supplied data before processing, particularly within search and profile functionality. Security teams should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on data flow patterns in user input handling and establish automated testing procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and proper output encoding practices will provide defense-in-depth measures to protect against similar XSS vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify potential weaknesses in their portal implementations. The remediation process should include comprehensive user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software components up-to-date with the latest security patches.