CVE-2022-0937 in ShowDoc
Summary
by MITRE • 03/14/2022
Stored xss in showdoc through file upload in GitHub repository star7th/showdoc prior to 2.10.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-0937 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the showdoc documentation system hosted on GitHub at repository star7th/showdoc. This security weakness affects versions prior to 2.10.4 and stems from insufficient input validation during file upload operations. The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code into the application's file upload functionality, which then gets stored and executed when other users view the uploaded files. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-079 category of Cross-site Scripting, specifically classified as a stored XSS vulnerability where malicious scripts persist in the application's database or file system. The attack vector leverages the file upload mechanism to bypass normal security controls that would typically filter or sanitize user input before it becomes part of the application's persistent data storage.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when users upload files to the showdoc system without proper sanitization of file metadata or content. Attackers can craft malicious files that contain javascript payloads within their metadata or file names, which are then stored in the application's file repository. When legitimate users access these stored files through the web interface, the embedded javascript executes in their browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the victims. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in the application's input validation and output encoding mechanisms, particularly in how it handles file uploads and subsequent file display operations. This weakness enables attackers to maintain persistent access to victim systems and can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks including credential theft and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0937 extends beyond simple script execution as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the showdoc application and its user base. Organizations relying on this documentation system face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible complete system compromise if attackers leverage additional vulnerabilities. The stored nature of the XSS vulnerability means that the malicious code remains active even after the initial exploitation, creating a persistent threat that can affect multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability directly impacts the application's security posture and can lead to compliance violations under various regulatory frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, or pci dss, which mandate proper protection of user data and prevention of cross-site scripting attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that showdoc is commonly used for internal documentation and collaboration, making it a prime target for insider threats or lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0937 primarily focus on upgrading to version 2.10.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures for file upload operations. Organizations should implement comprehensive file type validation, restrict file extensions to only those necessary for the application's functionality, and employ proper output encoding when displaying file information to users. The solution aligns with the principle of least privilege and input sanitization practices recommended by the mitre ATT&CK framework under the initial access and execution phases. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies, regular security scanning of uploaded files, and monitoring for suspicious file upload activities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious file upload attempts, and conduct regular security audits of the application's file handling mechanisms to ensure that similar vulnerabilities do not exist in other components of the system. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in preventing persistent security flaws that can affect large user bases over extended periods.