CVE-2017-7384 in Flip PDF
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in FlipBuilder Flip PDF allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the currentHTMLURL parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2019
The CVE-2017-7384 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in FlipBuilder Flip PDF software that enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of the currentHTMLURL parameter. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically classified as a stored or reflected XSS attack vector that can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability exists within the web application interface of Flip PDF, which processes user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied input from the currentHTMLURL parameter before rendering it in the web interface. This parameter likely serves as a URL reference point for PDF document navigation or content loading, but lacks adequate input validation controls. Attackers can craft malicious payloads containing script tags or other HTML elements that get executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for persistent XSS attacks where malicious code can be stored on the server and executed whenever legitimate users access the affected functionality, or reflected attacks where the malicious code is delivered through crafted URLs that users might click on.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to sensitive information. When users interact with the vulnerable application, their browser sessions become compromised, potentially allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users and access restricted resources. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that this vulnerability affects the web interface of Flip PDF, meaning any user who interacts with the application through a web browser could be exposed to exploitation. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, enabling threat actors to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the target environment. The potential for data exfiltration and unauthorized system access makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that rely on document management and publishing systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7384 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches or updates when available, as FlipBuilder would have likely released a fix addressing this specific vulnerability. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding, JavaScript escaping, and implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Additionally, implementing proper parameter validation and using secure coding practices that prevent direct insertion of user data into web responses will significantly reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of following secure development lifecycle practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten security guidelines to prevent similar issues in future application development cycles.