CVE-2019-25084 in Hide Files on GitHub
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2022
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, has been found in Hide Files on GitHub up to 2.x. This issue affects the function addEventListener of the file extension/options.js. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. The attack may be initiated remotely. Upgrading to version 3.0.0 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is 9de0c57df81db1178e0e79431d462f6d9842742e. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-216767.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25084 represents a cross site scripting flaw within the Hide Files GitHub extension version 2.x and earlier. This security weakness resides in the addEventListener function implementation within the extension/options.js file, demonstrating a classic client-side scripting vulnerability that enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the browser environment of unsuspecting users. The vulnerability's classification as remotely exploitable indicates that attackers can initiate the attack without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web-based environments where users interact with various browser extensions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross site scripting flaws that occur when untrusted data is processed by a web application and then included in dynamically generated web pages without proper validation or escaping. The specific function addEventListener in the extension's options.js file serves as the attack vector, suggesting that the extension improperly handles user input or event binding operations that could be manipulated to execute malicious scripts. This flaw allows attackers to potentially steal user sessions, deface web pages, or redirect users to malicious sites through the compromised browser extension.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it compromises the integrity and security of the entire GitHub browsing experience for affected users. When users install the vulnerable extension, they inadvertently expose themselves to potential data theft, session hijacking, or unauthorized actions performed on their behalf within the GitHub environment. The remote exploitability means that attackers could distribute malicious payloads through various channels including compromised websites, social engineering campaigns, or by directly targeting users who have installed the vulnerable extension. This creates a significant risk for developers and organizations that rely on GitHub for code management and collaboration.
Security mitigation for this vulnerability requires immediate upgrading to version 3.0.0 of the Hide Files extension, as referenced by the patch identifier 9de0c57df81db1178e0e79431d462f6d9842742e. This upgrade addresses the underlying XSS vulnerability by implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the addEventListener function. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as browser extension security audits, monitoring for suspicious activity, and educating users about the risks of installing third-party extensions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically through the use of JavaScript within browser environments, highlighting the need for comprehensive browser security controls and regular security assessments of installed extensions.