CVE-2019-1010199 in ServiceStack
Summary
by MITRE
ServiceStack ServiceStack Framework 4.5.14 is affected by: Cross Site Scripting (XSS). The impact is: JavaScrpit is reflected in the server response, hence executed by the browser. The component is: the query used in the GET request is prone. The attack vector is: Since there is no server-side validation and If Browser encoding is bypassed, the victim is affected when opening a crafted URL. The fixed version is: 5.2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-1010199 affects the ServiceStack Framework version 4.5.14, representing a critical cross site scripting flaw that enables attackers to execute malicious javascript code within victim browsers. This vulnerability resides in the framework's handling of GET request parameters, specifically where query strings are processed and reflected back in server responses without proper input sanitization or validation mechanisms. The issue stems from the framework's failure to implement adequate server-side validation controls, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be seamlessly injected and executed when users access crafted URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to construct malicious URLs containing javascript payloads that are then reflected by the server in HTTP responses. When victims browse to these specifically crafted URLs, the reflected javascript code executes within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the victim's browser environment. This vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 classification as a cross site scripting flaw, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The attack vector relies on social engineering techniques where victims are tricked into clicking malicious links, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or when exploited through compromised websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate user sessions, steal cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, and potentially gain access to sensitive data within the application's scope. Browser encoding bypass mechanisms can render traditional client-side protections ineffective, leaving users vulnerable when they encounter maliciously crafted URLs. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of ServiceStack's request processing pipeline, particularly in how GET parameters are handled and returned in server responses, creating a persistent security gap that can be exploited across various web applications built on this framework.
Organizations utilizing ServiceStack Framework version 4.5.14 should immediately implement the recommended mitigation strategy by upgrading to version 5.2.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the reflected XSS vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing comprehensive input validation at the server level, employing proper output encoding for all dynamic content, and establishing content security policies to limit script execution. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software components, as the fixed version addresses the underlying design flaw that allowed the reflection of unvalidated user input. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.