CVE-2018-8035 in UIMA DUCC
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability relates to the user's browser processing of DUCC webpage input data.The javascript comprising Apache UIMA DUCC (<= 2.2.2) which runs in the user's browser does not sufficiently filter user supplied inputs, which may result in unintended execution of user supplied javascript code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8035 resides within the Apache UIMA DUCC (Distributed UIMA Application Container) system, specifically affecting versions 2.2.2 and earlier. This issue manifests in the browser-side processing of DUCC webpage input data, creating a dangerous intersection between client-side JavaScript execution and user-supplied content. The vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting weakness that exploits the insufficient sanitization of user inputs within the browser environment where DUCC applications operate. The affected system processes user-provided data through JavaScript code that fails to adequately validate or escape input parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser context. This flaw fundamentally undermines the security boundaries between legitimate application functionality and potentially harmful user input processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation mechanisms within the JavaScript components that execute in user browsers. When users interact with DUCC webpages, the browser-side JavaScript code receives and processes various input parameters without sufficient filtering or sanitization measures. This processing occurs in a manner that directly incorporates user-supplied data into executable JavaScript contexts, bypassing standard security controls that would typically prevent such code injection scenarios. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of client-side application logic and user interaction, where the JavaScript runtime environment executes code that was not originally intended to be part of the application's core functionality. The flaw specifically affects how the system handles dynamic content generation and input processing, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the execution flow through carefully crafted malicious inputs.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-8035 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables full browser-based code execution capabilities for attackers. Once successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates entirely within the browser environment, making it difficult to detect through traditional network-based security controls. Users who interact with vulnerable DUCC applications become unwitting participants in code injection attacks, as the malicious JavaScript executes in the context of their legitimate browser sessions. The vulnerability's scope is amplified by the fact that it affects the user-facing browser components of the DUCC system, meaning that any user interaction with the web interface could potentially expose them to this threat.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8035 must focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization measures within the browser-side JavaScript code. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Apache UIMA DUCC versions 2.2.3 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. The remediation process involves implementing comprehensive input filtering that escapes or removes potentially dangerous characters from user-supplied data before processing. Additionally, developers should employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution contexts and prevent unauthorized code injection. The implementation of proper output encoding techniques, particularly for dynamic content generation, helps ensure that user inputs cannot be interpreted as executable code. Security teams should also conduct thorough code reviews focusing on JavaScript input handling and implement automated testing procedures to detect similar vulnerabilities in other browser-side components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's execution techniques, specifically targeting the browser exploitation phase of attack chains. Organizations must prioritize this remediation to prevent potential exploitation that could compromise user sessions and sensitive data processing within the DUCC environment.