CVE-2017-5938 in ViewVC
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the nav_path function in lib/viewvc.py in ViewVC before 1.1.26 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the nav_data name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2024
The CVE-2017-5938 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the ViewVC version control system software that affects installations prior to version 1.1.26. This vulnerability specifically resides in the nav_path function located within the lib/viewvc.py file, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this web-based interface for accessing version control repositories. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected systems, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the nav_data parameter processing. When the nav_path function handles navigation data, it fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses. This allows attackers to inject malicious payloads through the name parameter of nav_data, which then gets executed in the browser context of unsuspecting users. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize or incorrectly sanitize user supplied data, making it a classic XSS attack vector that operates through the web application's user interface components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, manipulate user interface elements, or redirect users to malicious websites. Given that ViewVC serves as a web interface for version control systems, attackers could potentially access sensitive repository information, modify access controls, or compromise the integrity of versioned code. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible installations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts within user browsers.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching to version 1.1.26 or later, as this release contains the necessary fixes to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in web contexts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, including client-side and server-side sanitization, can provide defense-in-depth measures. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of vulnerable installations, while security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper output encoding and input validation in web applications, particularly when handling user-provided data in navigation and interface components.