CVE-2023-3531 in teampass
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2023
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in GitHub repository nilsteampassnet/teampass prior to 3.0.10.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2023
The vulnerability identified in the GitHub repository nilsteampassnet/teampass prior to version 3.0.10 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's database and subsequently execute them against unsuspecting users. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting conditions where web applications fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that malicious scripts are permanently saved within the application's database and will execute every time affected users view the compromised content, making it particularly dangerous for persistent attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this flaw likely occurs when the application processes user input through forms, comments, or other data entry points without adequate sanitization mechanisms. When legitimate users access pages containing the maliciously stored script, their browsers execute the injected code within the context of the vulnerable application, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive information, or redirecting users to malicious websites. This vulnerability exposes the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms to potential exploitation, as attackers can leverage XSS to bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to user accounts or sensitive data.
The operational impact of this stored XSS vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers with minimal ongoing effort. Once the malicious payload is injected into the system, it remains active until the database is cleaned or the application is updated to version 3.0.10 or later. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for password management applications like TeamPass, where users store sensitive credentials and personal information that could be accessed through such attacks. The potential for session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration creates significant risk for both individual users and organizations relying on the application for security purposes.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to version 3.0.10 or later, which likely includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies, employing web application firewalls, and conducting comprehensive code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other input handling functions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 for "Phishing" and potentially T1071 for "Application Layer Protocol" when attackers use XSS to deliver malicious payloads through web interfaces. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools and regular penetration testing to detect similar vulnerabilities in their applications, while ensuring proper user education about recognizing potential phishing attempts that might exploit such weaknesses in the application's defenses.