CVE-2017-3152 in Atlas
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Atlas versions 0.6.0-incubating and 0.7.0-incubating were found vulnerable to DOM XSS 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 client-side vulnerability classified as DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting within the edit-tag functionality. This vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied input that flows directly into the Document Object Model without adequate validation or encoding mechanisms. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the application's DOM structure through crafted input parameters, potentially enabling unauthorized access to user sessions and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input intended for tag editing operations is processed through insecure DOM manipulation methods rather than proper sanitization procedures. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic client-side cross-site scripting vulnerability where the application fails to neutralize user-controllable data before it is used in dynamic code execution contexts. The vulnerability specifically affects the edit-tag functionality, suggesting that when users attempt to modify or create tags within the Atlas interface, malicious payloads can be executed in the context of the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges within the Atlas environment. An attacker could craft malicious tag names or descriptions containing script payloads that would execute whenever a victim views or interacts with the affected tag content. This creates potential for session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation attacks that could compromise the entire Atlas metadata management system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given that Atlas serves as a critical metadata governance tool in enterprise environments, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking persistent access to sensitive data infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's DOM manipulation processes. Security controls must ensure that all user-supplied data is properly validated and encoded before being incorporated into dynamic content. The implementation should follow established security guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and ATT&CK framework's T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts and consider adopting secure coding practices that prevent direct DOM manipulation with user input. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components that may be susceptible to similar DOM-based XSS attacks.