CVE-2023-0879 in btcpayserver
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2023
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in GitHub repository btcpayserver/btcpayserver prior to 1.7.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-0879 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within the btcpayserver repository management system. This security weakness allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the application's database through user input fields, which then execute whenever other users access the affected pages. The vulnerability specifically affected versions prior to 1.7.12 of the btcpayserver software, indicating that the developers had not yet implemented adequate input sanitization measures to prevent such attacks. Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because the malicious code persists in the server's database and can affect multiple users over time, unlike reflected XSS attacks that require specific user interaction with malicious links.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the btcpayserver application's input handling mechanisms. When users submit data through various forms, search fields, or other interactive elements, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This lack of proper input validation creates an attack surface where malicious payloads can be stored in the database and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of inadequate output encoding in web applications. The attack vector typically involves an attacker submitting malicious content through legitimate application functions, which gets stored and later retrieved without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-0879 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent footholds within the btcpayserver environment. Once an attacker successfully injects malicious scripts, they can potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or even escalate privileges within the application. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code continues to execute for every user who accesses the affected pages, creating a continuous threat vector that can be exploited by multiple attackers over time. Organizations using btcpayserver for cryptocurrency payment processing face significant risks including unauthorized transactions, data exfiltration, and potential compromise of their entire payment infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects the integrity and confidentiality aspects of the CIA triad, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive payment information and user data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-0879 require immediate implementation of comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures. Organizations should upgrade to btcpayserver version 1.7.12 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper sanitization of user inputs and implementation of Content Security Policy headers. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation using allowlists for acceptable characters and lengths, combined with proper output encoding for all dynamic content before rendering in web pages. Security teams should also implement regular security scanning of user inputs, establish proper sanitization routines for all database entries, and consider implementing Web Application Firewalls to detect and block suspicious payloads. The remediation process should follow ATT&CK framework guidance for mitigating XSS vulnerabilities by focusing on input validation, output encoding, and application security hardening measures. Additionally, comprehensive security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to ensure all potential XSS vectors have been addressed and that the application maintains robust security posture against similar vulnerabilities.