CVE-2020-15263 in Orchid
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
In platform before version 9.4.4, inline attributes are not properly escaped. If the data that came from users was not escaped, then an XSS vulnerability is possible. The issue was introduced in 9.0.0 and fixed in 9.4.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
This vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that emerged in platform versions prior to 9.4.4, specifically affecting releases from version 9.0.0 onwards. The core issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms within the platform's handling of inline attributes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through user-supplied data. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in software applications, where the system fails to properly escape or sanitize user-provided content before rendering it in web contexts. This particular flaw demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the platform's security architecture, as it allows untrusted data to be processed without proper validation or encoding measures that would normally prevent execution of malicious scripts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when user-generated content containing potentially malicious inline attributes is processed and rendered without proper HTML escaping mechanisms. Attackers can craft inputs that include script tags or other malicious payloads within inline attributes, which then execute in the context of other users' browsers when the content is displayed. This creates a persistent threat vector where malicious code can be injected into the platform's rendering pipeline, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected systems. The vulnerability's introduction in version 9.0.0 indicates that the platform underwent a significant architectural change that inadvertently weakened its security controls around user input handling, making it particularly concerning as it affected a substantial user base that had upgraded to versions 9.0.0 and later.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the platform environment. Once exploited, the XSS vulnerability can enable attackers to access session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify content displayed to other users. This represents a serious threat to user privacy and platform integrity, as it allows for unauthorized manipulation of the application's behavior. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple minor releases underscores the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, as the issue remained undetected for several version cycles. Organizations using affected platform versions would have been exposed to continuous risk of user data compromise and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 9.4.4 or later, which includes proper escaping mechanisms for inline attributes. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding policies that align with OWASP secure coding practices, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the platform's handling of various input types, particularly focusing on attribute values and inline content. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their application code. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that inline attributes are properly escaped during processing, preventing malicious code from executing in user browsers while maintaining the platform's intended functionality and user experience. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in preventing web application vulnerabilities, particularly those that can be exploited for persistent security breaches.