CVE-2022-24710 in Weblate
Summary
by MITRE • 02/26/2022
Weblate is a copyleft software web-based continuous localization system. Versions prior to 4.11 do not properly neutralize user input used in user name and language fields. Due to this improper neutralization it is possible to perform cross-site scripting via these fields. The issues were fixed in the 4.11 release. Users unable to upgrade are advised to add their own neutralize logic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2022
CVE-2022-24710 represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting Weblate versions prior to 4.11, a web-based continuous localization system that facilitates collaborative translation and internationalization efforts. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the application's user name and language field processing mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the application's user interface. The flaw specifically manifests when user-provided data containing script tags or other malicious payloads is not properly escaped or filtered before being rendered back to users. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1531 focusing on manipulation of web content through cross-site scripting attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to submit malicious input containing script tags or other XSS payload constructs into the vulnerable user name or language fields. When these fields are subsequently displayed in the web interface without proper HTML escaping or sanitization, the injected scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers. This creates a persistent threat where legitimate users who view pages containing the malicious input become victims of the attack. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including session fixation, data exfiltration, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Weblate's user management and localization features, potentially compromising the integrity of translation data and user authentication mechanisms.
Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of Weblate face significant operational risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized access to translation resources, and compromise of user sessions. The vulnerability particularly threatens collaborative environments where multiple users contribute to localization projects, as malicious actors could exploit it to gain unauthorized access to sensitive translation data or manipulate the translation process. The attack surface is expanded when considering that Weblate is often used in development environments where it may contain sensitive project information, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to access intellectual property or confidential translation content. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability on their organization's overall security posture, particularly in environments where Weblate serves as a critical component of software internationalization workflows.
The official fix for CVE-2022-24710 was implemented in Weblate version 4.11 through enhanced input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The remediation addresses the root cause by ensuring that all user-provided input in the affected fields undergoes proper sanitization before being rendered in the user interface. Organizations unable to upgrade immediately should implement custom neutralization logic that properly escapes HTML characters and validates input data against known malicious patterns. This interim solution should include comprehensive input filtering that removes or encodes potentially dangerous characters such as angle brackets, quotes, and script tags. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities and monitor application logs for suspicious input patterns. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content in collaborative environments. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their Weblate installations and implement additional monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.