CVE-2017-2239 in Marp
Summary
by MITRE
Marp versions v0.0.10 and earlier may allow an attacker to access local resources and files using JavaScript.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2239 affects Marp versions v0.0.10 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper JavaScript execution handling. This flaw enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to local system resources and files, fundamentally compromising the security boundaries of the application. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the JavaScript execution environment, allowing malicious code to bypass normal security restrictions. Such vulnerabilities typically arise when applications fail to properly isolate user-provided content from the underlying operating system, creating potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of JavaScript execution contexts within Marp's rendering engine, where untrusted code can potentially access local file systems, execute arbitrary commands, or retrieve sensitive information stored on the target machine. This type of flaw commonly relates to CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and may also align with CWE-74, concerning injection flaws. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it allows attackers to leverage the application's JavaScript runtime to perform actions that should normally be restricted to authorized users or system processes. Attackers could potentially use this weakness to access configuration files, user data, or system credentials stored locally on the machine where Marp is installed.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-2239 extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent footholds within compromised environments. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious presentation files, compromised content repositories, or social engineering campaigns that trick users into opening tainted documents. This weakness directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1074 for data staging, as attackers can use the compromised system to gather information and prepare for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects both desktop and web-based deployments of Marp, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users may interact with potentially malicious content through shared systems.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Marp versions greater than v0.0.10 to mitigate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the affected versions. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing strict content validation policies, restricting JavaScript execution in presentation environments, and deploying network segmentation controls to limit potential lateral movement. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for suspicious JavaScript activity, and establishing incident response procedures specifically designed to handle local file system access violations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization in applications that process user-provided content, particularly those with rich text or presentation capabilities.