CVE-2018-11647 in oauth2orize-fprm
Summary
by MITRE
index.js in oauth2orize-fprm before 0.2.1 has XSS via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11647 resides within the index.js file of the oauth2orize-fprm library version 0.2.1 and earlier, presenting a cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited through crafted URL inputs. This security flaw specifically affects applications that utilize the oauth2orize-fprm middleware for implementing oauth2 authorization flows, making it particularly concerning for web applications that rely on proper authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the library's handling of URL parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the application's response.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the oauth2orize-fprm library processes URL parameters without proper sanitization or encoding, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that get executed in the context of authenticated users' browsers. This type of flaw typically falls under CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application vulnerabilities according to the CWE catalog. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through URL parameters, meaning that an attacker could craft a malicious link that, when clicked by a user, would execute the malicious script in the user's browser session. The attack vector is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects the authorization flow process, potentially allowing attackers to hijack user sessions or perform unauthorized actions within the application's context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack scenarios that compromise user accounts and application integrity. When an authenticated user visits a maliciously crafted URL, their browser will execute the injected script within the context of the legitimate application, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, modify user data, or perform actions on behalf of the user. This vulnerability particularly affects applications using the oauth2orize-fprm library for OAuth2 authorization flows, where users may have elevated privileges, making the potential impact significantly greater than typical XSS vulnerabilities. The attack can be executed through various methods including phishing campaigns, social engineering, or by compromising links within legitimate applications that use the vulnerable library.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate library updates to version 0.2.1 or later, where the XSS protection has been implemented. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding practices throughout their applications, particularly in areas where URL parameters are processed or displayed. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection layers against script execution, though this should not be considered a substitute for proper input validation. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar patterns in other libraries or custom code that might be susceptible to the same vulnerability. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it involves the execution of malicious JavaScript code through web application interfaces, and T1566.002 - Credential Access: Phishing for Information - Spearphishing Attachment, as the attack often involves delivering malicious URLs through phishing campaigns. Organizations should also implement automated vulnerability scanning and dependency monitoring to prevent similar issues from being introduced through third-party libraries in the future.