CVE-2019-14350 in EspoCRM
Summary
by MITRE
EspoCRM 5.6.4 is vulnerable to stored XSS due to lack of filtration of user-supplied data in the Knowledge base. A malicious attacker can inject JavaScript code in the body parameter during api/v1/KnowledgeBaseArticle knowledge-base record creation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14350 affects EspoCRM version 5.6.4 and represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the knowledge base functionality. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data when creating knowledge base articles through the api/v1/KnowledgeBaseArticle endpoint. The vulnerability specifically targets the body parameter of knowledge base records, allowing malicious actors to inject persistent JavaScript code that executes whenever the affected content is rendered to users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the application layer where user input flows directly into the knowledge base article creation process without appropriate sanitization or encoding measures. When an attacker submits malicious JavaScript code through the body parameter during record creation, the system stores this content without proper filtration, making it persistent across sessions and visible to other users who access the knowledge base. This stored payload executes in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially enabling unauthorized actions and data exfiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the EspoCRM environment. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that steal authentication tokens, redirect users to phishing sites, or execute commands on behalf of authenticated users. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists in the database and executes every time the affected knowledge base article is accessed, creating a continuous attack vector that can compromise multiple users over time. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets administrative and user-facing components of EspoCRM where knowledge base articles are frequently accessed and shared. The API endpoint api/v1/KnowledgeBaseArticle provides a direct pathway for exploitation, making it accessible to both authenticated users with appropriate permissions and potentially unauthorized actors who can manipulate the API directly. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering, where attackers convince users to click on malicious links, or through automated tools that can submit malicious payloads to the API endpoint.
Organizations utilizing EspoCRM 5.6.4 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied content within the knowledge base functionality. The recommended approach involves implementing proper HTML sanitization libraries that strip or encode dangerous JavaScript elements before storing user input. Additionally, implementing content security policies and restricting API access through authentication mechanisms can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in preventing server-side code injection attacks that can lead to persistent XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.