CVE-2019-13488 in Trape
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in static/js/trape.js in Trape through 2019-05-08 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the country, query, or refer parameter to the /register URI, because the jQuery prepend() method is used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-13488 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Trape web application framework, specifically affecting versions through 2019-05-08. This security weakness resides in the static/js/trape.js JavaScript file and demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of affected user browsers. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user-supplied input through the /register URI endpoint, where parameters including country, query, and refer are not adequately sanitized before being processed. The exploitation occurs due to the application's reliance on the jQuery prepend() method, which does not properly escape or validate the input data before incorporating it into the DOM structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the insecure handling of user input within the Trape framework's JavaScript execution environment. When attackers supply malicious payloads through the vulnerable parameters, the jQuery prepend() function processes these inputs without appropriate sanitization measures, effectively allowing the injection of malicious scripts into the web page's DOM. This method of input processing creates a direct pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-13488 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially compromise user sessions. An attacker could craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when visited by authenticated users, would execute code in their browser context. This vulnerability particularly affects the registration functionality of the Trape application, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks where users might be tricked into visiting malicious links. The consequences could include unauthorized access to user accounts, data exfiltration, and the potential for further exploitation within the application's attack surface. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, which describes how adversaries can leverage JavaScript to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the Trape application. The most effective approach involves removing or modifying the use of the jQuery prepend() method to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being incorporated into the DOM structure. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization routines that filter or escape special characters commonly used in XSS attacks, including angle brackets, quotes, and script tags. Additionally, the application should implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the sources from which scripts can be executed, providing an additional layer of protection against malicious script injection attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security audits and code reviews, particularly focusing on client-side JavaScript execution and input handling mechanisms. Implementing proper output encoding for all dynamic content and utilizing modern web application frameworks that automatically handle XSS prevention would significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in future deployments.