CVE-2021-40926 in getID3
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2021
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in demos/demo.mysqli.php in getID3 1.X and v2.0.0-beta allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the showtagfiles parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-40926 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in the getID3 library version 1.X and v2.0.0-beta, specifically within the demos/demo.mysqli.php file. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that allows malicious scripts to be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The attack vector occurs through the showtagfiles parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper parameter validation in the demo.mysqli.php script. When the showtagfiles parameter is passed to the application, it undergoes minimal processing before being rendered in the web page output. This absence of input sanitization creates a direct path for malicious payloads to be executed within the browser context of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects the entire getID3 library ecosystem where this demo file is included, potentially exposing all users who interact with the vulnerable application. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to execute scripts in the context of the victim's browser session, which could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables the execution of malicious JavaScript code through web-based interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be exploited to perform sophisticated attacks against end users. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or manipulate the application interface to deceive users into performing unintended actions. The vulnerability affects both getID3 v1.X and v2.0.0-beta versions, indicating it is a persistent issue that spans multiple releases, suggesting either poor code maintenance or fundamental architectural flaws in the library's security implementation. The demonstration nature of the affected file makes it particularly dangerous as it is likely to be accessible and used in various environments, increasing the attack surface. Organizations using getID3 libraries in their applications face significant risk of user data compromise, especially in environments where users have administrative privileges or access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and multiple layers of defensive measures. The primary remediation involves implementing proper input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, specifically the showtagfiles parameter in the demo.mysqli.php file. This includes sanitizing all input data before processing and ensuring that any rendered output is properly escaped to prevent script execution. Organizations should upgrade to the latest version of getID3 where this vulnerability has been addressed, as the maintainers have likely implemented proper sanitization mechanisms. Additionally, implementing content security policies can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution within the application. Regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application codebase, as this flaw demonstrates the importance of consistent security practices throughout software development. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices and implementing proper security controls during the development lifecycle to prevent such issues from persisting in production environments.