CVE-2016-4327 in SOA Enablement Server for Java
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WSO2 SOA Enablement Server for Java/6.6 build SSJ-6.6-20090827-1616 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-4327 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WSO2 SOA Enablement Server for Java version 6.6 and earlier releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the server's handling of PATH_INFO parameters, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected applications. The WSO2 SOA Enablement Server serves as a comprehensive platform for service-oriented architecture implementations, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on its functionality for enterprise service management and integration.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and sanitization of PATH_INFO parameters within the server's request processing pipeline. When the server processes incoming requests containing maliciously crafted PATH_INFO values, it fails to adequately sanitize or escape the input before rendering it in web responses. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML content that executes in the context of legitimate user sessions, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a reflected XSS attack vector where malicious input is immediately reflected back to users without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, session manipulation, and data exfiltration. Organizations utilizing WSO2 SOA Enablement Server for Java may face significant security risks when this vulnerability is exploited, particularly in environments where the server handles sensitive enterprise data or user authentication information. The reflected nature of the XSS attack means that successful exploitation can occur through various vectors including phishing emails, malicious links, or compromised web applications that interact with the vulnerable server. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of web applications built on the WSO2 platform, potentially compromising the entire service-oriented architecture ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4327 should prioritize immediate patching of affected WSO2 SOA Enablement Server installations to version 6.6 build SSJ-6.6-20090827-1616 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent improper handling of PATH_INFO parameters, following the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through phishing and T1059.007 for script injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the WSO2 platform and ensure overall system resilience against similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.