CVE-2017-3151 in Atlas
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Atlas versions 0.6.0-incubating and 0.7.0-incubating were found vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting in the edit-tag functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2019
Apache Atlas version 0.6.0-incubating and 0.7.0-incubating contained a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that exposed the system to persistent malicious code execution. This vulnerability specifically affected the edit-tag functionality within the Atlas metadata management framework, which is designed to allow users to modify and manage metadata tags associated with data assets. The flaw stemmed from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the tag editing interface, where user-supplied data was directly rendered without proper sanitization. Attackers could exploit this weakness by submitting malicious script code through the tag editing form, which would then be stored in the system's metadata repository and subsequently executed whenever the affected tags were displayed to other users. This stored XSS vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers to inject persistent malicious scripts that can compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability undermines the integrity of the metadata management system and could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data assets that are tagged within the Atlas framework. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the Atlas environment or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against the broader enterprise infrastructure. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable versions face potential data exposure and system compromise, as the malicious scripts could access session cookies, perform unauthorized operations within the Atlas interface, or even exfiltrate metadata information. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1531 which deals with "Trusted Relationship" and T1203 which covers "Exploitation for Client Execution" since the vulnerability enables attackers to execute malicious code through the Atlas user interface. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching to versions that properly sanitize user inputs and implement proper output encoding for all metadata elements. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments of the Atlas interface, and establishing strict input validation policies for all user-facing metadata management functions. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous tag creation patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.