CVE-2023-3191 in teampass
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2023
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in GitHub repository nilsteampassnet/teampass prior to 3.0.9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3191 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the TeamPass repository management system developed by nilsteampassnet. This issue affects versions prior to 3.0.9 and constitutes a critical security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications that persist in the system's database. The vulnerability specifically resides in the repository's handling of user input within the TeamPass application, creating an environment where malicious code can be executed when other users view affected content. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious scripts are permanently saved within the application's data stores and executed whenever affected pages are accessed, making it particularly dangerous for collaborative environments where multiple users interact with shared repositories.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the TeamPass application's codebase. When users submit data through various interface elements such as comments, descriptions, or repository metadata, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before storing it in the database. This allows attackers to embed malicious javascript payloads within legitimate-looking content, which are then executed in the browsers of other users who access the affected repository entries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of insufficient data sanitization in web applications. The flaw operates by bypassing standard security controls that should prevent untrusted data from being executed as code within the browser context of legitimate users.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3191 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to steal user sessions, access sensitive repository data, and potentially escalate privileges within the TeamPass environment. An attacker could craft malicious entries that, when viewed by other users, would execute scripts to capture authentication tokens, redirect users to phishing sites, or extract confidential information stored within the repository. This vulnerability particularly threatens collaborative development environments where TeamPass serves as a central repository for sensitive project information, source code, and configuration data. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that even after initial exploitation, the malicious scripts continue to execute for all users who access the compromised repository entries, creating a long-term security risk. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers phishing with malicious attachments, as attackers could use this flaw to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly legitimate repository entries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3191 require immediate implementation of input validation and output encoding measures within the TeamPass application. Organizations should upgrade to version 3.0.9 or later, which includes proper sanitization of user inputs and enhanced security controls. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation that filters out potentially malicious characters and content, combined with proper output encoding when displaying user-generated content. Additionally, organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and establish regular security audits of repository content. The fix should address CWE-79 through comprehensive input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms, ensuring that all user-submitted data undergoes proper validation before being stored or displayed. Security teams should also conduct regular penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other repository management systems and ensure that all applications follow secure coding practices that prevent XSS vulnerabilities from being introduced in the first place.