CVE-2023-36809 in TCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2023
Kiwi TCMS, an open source test management system allows users to upload attachments to test plans, test cases, etc. Versions of Kiwi TCMS prior to 12.5 had introduced changes which were meant to serve all uploaded files as plain text in order to prevent browsers from executing potentially dangerous files when such files are accessed directly. The previous Nginx configuration was incorrect allowing certain browsers like Firefox to ignore the `Content-Type: text/plain` header on some occasions thus allowing potentially dangerous scripts to be executed. Additionally, file upload validators and parts of the HTML rendering code had been found to require additional sanitation and improvements. Version 12.5 fixes this vulnerability with updated Nginx content type configuration, improved file upload validation code to prevent more potentially dangerous uploads, and Sanitization of test plan names used in the `tree_view_html()` function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2023
CVE-2023-36809 represents a critical server-side request forgery and cross-site scripting vulnerability in Kiwi TCMS version 12.4 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper content type handling in the file upload and rendering mechanisms of the test management system. The flaw allows attackers to bypass security measures designed to prevent execution of malicious scripts by exploiting browser inconsistencies in handling Content-Type headers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, both of which fall under the broader category of web application security weaknesses that enable malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through multiple attack vectors within the Kiwi TCMS architecture. The original Nginx configuration failed to properly enforce the Content-Type header, specifically the text/plain directive that should prevent browsers from executing potentially dangerous scripts. Firefox browsers were particularly affected as they would occasionally ignore the Content-Type header, allowing malicious files to be executed directly. Additionally, the file upload validation logic was insufficient to detect and block dangerous file types, while the HTML rendering code in the tree_view_html() function lacked proper sanitization of test plan names. This combination of issues creates a pathway for attackers to upload malicious files and subsequently execute them through browser-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using Kiwi TCMS for test management. Attackers could potentially upload malicious scripts that would execute when users view test plans or cases, leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the application by undermining the security controls designed to protect against file-based attacks. Organizations relying on Kiwi TCMS for managing sensitive test data and test execution processes face potential exposure to unauthorized access and data breaches. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of test results and the overall trustworthiness of the test management system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-36809 focus on upgrading to Kiwi TCMS version 12.5 or later, which implements comprehensive fixes addressing all identified weaknesses. The updated version corrects the Nginx configuration to properly enforce Content-Type headers across all browsers, implements enhanced file upload validation that blocks dangerous file types, and applies proper sanitization to test plan names used in HTML rendering. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits, network segmentation, and monitoring for unusual file upload activities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 Initial Access and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches to prevent exploitation. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities.