CVE-2023-32670 in BuddyBoss
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability
in BuddyBoss 2.2.9 version
, which could allow a local attacker with basic privileges to execute a malicious payload through the "[name]=image.jpg" parameter, allowing to assign a persistent javascript payload that would be triggered when the associated image is loaded.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/25/2023
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within BuddyBoss platform version 2.2.9, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers with minimal privileges to inject malicious javascript code into the system. The vulnerability specifically manifests through the parameter "[name]=image.jpg" which is processed during image handling operations. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload within this parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize the input before storing and subsequently executing the javascript code during image loading operations. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can affect all users who view the compromised image, making it particularly dangerous for collaborative platforms where users frequently upload and share media content.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the image processing pipeline of BuddyBoss. When the system processes the "[name]=image.jpg" parameter, it does not sufficiently validate or sanitize the input to prevent script injection attacks. This failure aligns with CWE-79, which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. The vulnerability operates at the application layer where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into dynamically generated web pages without proper security controls. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to any local user who can submit content through the platform's upload mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to potentially steal user sessions, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. When the malicious javascript payload executes upon image loading, it can capture cookies, modify page content, or establish communication channels with external servers. This persistent nature means that the attack remains effective even after the initial upload, as the malicious code is stored within the platform's database and executed each time the compromised image is viewed. The vulnerability affects the platform's integrity and confidentiality, potentially exposing sensitive user data and undermining trust in the community platform's security measures.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the image processing pipeline. The platform should sanitize all user-supplied parameters including the "[name]=image.jpg" input before storage, employing strict validation rules that reject any potentially malicious content. Security measures must include proper HTML escaping of all dynamic content before rendering, implementing content security policies to restrict script execution, and conducting regular security audits of file upload handlers. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, while ensuring that the platform is updated to versions that have addressed this specific vulnerability. Additionally, security awareness training for administrators and users can help identify potential exploitation attempts and reduce the attack surface. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK framework tactic T1566, which addresses social engineering techniques, as this vulnerability can be exploited through crafted file uploads that appear legitimate to users.