CVE-2017-15714 in OFBiz
Summary
by MITRE
The BIRT plugin in Apache OFBiz 16.11.01 to 16.11.03 does not escape user input property passed. This allows for code injection by passing that code through the URL. For example by appending this code "__format=%27;alert(%27xss%27)" to the URL an alert window would execute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15714 represents a critical security flaw within the Business Intelligence and Reporting Tools plugin of Apache OFBiz versions 16.11.01 through 16.11.03. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the web application framework, specifically affecting how user-provided parameters are processed and rendered within the reporting interface. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which denotes Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-937 which addresses insufficient output escaping in web applications. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input parameters that are subsequently used in dynamic content generation, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be injected and executed within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of URL parameters, specifically targeting the format property parameter within the BIRT reporting plugin. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing the payload "__format=%27;alert(%27xss%27)", the application processes this input without proper sanitization, allowing the injected JavaScript code to execute in the victim's browser environment. This particular implementation demonstrates a classic reflected XSS attack vector where the malicious payload is reflected back to the user through the application's response. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through simple URL manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that do not properly implement security measures such as Content Security Policy headers or proper input validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple XSS execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the OFBiz application environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the application's user interface and data presentation components, allowing for unauthorized code execution that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 which describes the use of scripting languages for execution, and T1566.001 which covers spearphishing via web applications. The affected Apache OFBiz versions were widely deployed in enterprise environments for business process management and e-commerce solutions, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that rely on these systems for critical business operations. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication or elevated privileges, making it accessible to any user who can interact with the affected web interface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15714 should focus on implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the application's parameter handling logic. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache OFBiz version 16.11.04 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed. The security team should also conduct comprehensive input validation for all user-provided parameters, particularly those used in dynamic content generation or reporting features. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be implemented to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application. Network-based intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious URL patterns containing encoded JavaScript payloads, providing early warning of potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious input patterns associated with XSS attacks, ensuring that the application environment maintains adequate protection against similar vulnerabilities.