CVE-2023-0738 in OrangeScrum
Summary
by MITRE • 04/05/2023
OrangeScrum version 2.0.11 allows an external attacker to obtain arbitrary user accounts from the application. This is possible because the application returns malicious user input in the response with the content-type set to text/html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
CVE-2023-0738 represents a critical security vulnerability in OrangeScrum version 2.0.11 that exposes the application to unauthorized user account access. This flaw stems from improper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's response handling system. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes user-supplied data and incorporates it directly into HTTP responses without adequate sanitization, creating an environment where malicious inputs can be executed or interpreted by unsuspecting users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a cross-site scripting attack vector where an attacker can inject malicious payloads into the application's response stream. When the application returns user input with content-type text/html, it creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the response to include malicious scripts or data that can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. This behavior aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security implications. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal authentication and authorization mechanisms by leveraging the application's own response handling capabilities to access accounts that should remain protected.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0738 extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to impersonate legitimate users within the OrangeScrum application. This could result in unauthorized access to project data, modification of tasks and timelines, and potential escalation to administrative privileges depending on the application's role-based access controls. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require elevated privileges or specialized tools, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal technical expertise. Organizations using this version of OrangeScrum face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized modifications to project management information, and potential compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0738 must focus on implementing robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The primary remediation involves ensuring that all user-supplied inputs are properly sanitized before being incorporated into application responses, particularly when the content-type is set to text/html. This includes implementing proper HTML escaping, using Content Security Policy headers, and adopting secure coding practices that prevent the direct inclusion of user data in executable contexts. Organizations should also consider implementing proper session management, input length validation, and regular security code reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for script injection techniques, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures against such exploitation methods. Additionally, upgrading to a patched version of OrangeScrum or implementing web application firewalls as temporary mitigations can help protect against active exploitation attempts while more permanent solutions are implemented.