CVE-2018-25056 in yolapi
Summary
by MITRE • 12/28/2022
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in yolapi. Affected is the function render_description of the file yolapi/pypi/metadata.py. The manipulation of the argument text leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The name of the patch is a0fe129055a99f429133a5c40cb13b44611ff796. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-216966 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-25056 represents a cross site scripting flaw within the yolapi library, specifically affecting the render_description function in the yolapi/pypi/metadata.py file. This issue falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross Site Scripting, where improper validation of user-supplied input allows malicious code execution in the context of a victim's browser. The vulnerability manifests when the text argument is manipulated during the rendering process, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed by other users interacting with the affected application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization within the metadata rendering pipeline. When the render_description function processes the text parameter without proper escaping or validation of special characters, it creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as executable code rather than plain text. This flaw enables remote code execution through web-based interfaces that utilize the yolapi library for package metadata display, particularly in PyPI package repositories where description fields are rendered for public viewing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it allows attackers to potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in public-facing applications. The vulnerability affects any application that relies on yolapi for displaying package descriptions, including package managers, repository browsers, and development tools that consume PyPI metadata. The patch referenced in the advisory (a0fe129055a99f429133a5c40cb13b44611ff796) addresses this issue by implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being executed in user browsers.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, where the vulnerability enables attackers to execute code through web-based interfaces. The remediation strategy involves applying the provided patch immediately to ensure proper HTML escaping of user input, implementing content security policies, and conducting thorough code reviews of similar functions that process user-supplied metadata. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation at multiple layers of their applications and regularly updating third-party libraries to mitigate similar risks in other components of their software supply chain.