CVE-2023-49598 in GROWI
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2023
Stored cross-site scripting vulnerability exists in the event handlers of the pre tags in GROWI versions prior to v6.0.0. If this vulnerability is exploited, an arbitrary script may be executed on the web browser of the user who accessed the site using the product.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2024
The stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-49598 resides within the event handlers of pre tags in GROWI versions prior to v6.0.0, representing a critical security flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. This vulnerability specifically targets the HTML preformatted text elements which are commonly used for displaying code snippets, logs, or other formatted content within the GROWI platform. The flaw allows unauthorized parties to store malicious JavaScript code within the pre tag event handlers, which then executes automatically when users access pages containing these elements. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically classified as a stored XSS variant where the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server and executed each time the affected content is rendered to users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate the content within pre tags and inject script code into event handler attributes such as onclick, onmouseover, or other JavaScript event handlers. When legitimate users browse pages containing these maliciously crafted pre tags, their browsers execute the embedded scripts in the context of the vulnerable application, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate functionality of pre tags while embedding malicious code that can persist across multiple user sessions and page views. This stored nature means that once the malicious content is injected, it remains active until manually removed or the application is updated to address the flaw.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform sophisticated attacks such as cookie theft, redirecting users to malicious sites, or even executing arbitrary commands on affected systems. Users who access compromised pages may unknowingly have their browser sessions compromised, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system resources. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of GROWI's content management system, as pre tags are frequently used for displaying code examples, system logs, and technical documentation. This makes the attack surface particularly broad since any user with the ability to create or modify content containing pre tags could potentially exploit this vulnerability, making it a significant risk for collaborative environments where multiple users contribute content.
Organizations utilizing GROWI versions prior to v6.0.0 should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest stable release that addresses this vulnerability. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and ensuring proper input validation and output encoding for all pre tag content. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed. Security teams should also consider monitoring user-generated content for suspicious patterns and implementing proper sanitization of all user inputs before they are rendered within HTML elements. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1213 for Data from Information Repositories and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage this flaw to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users through seemingly legitimate content management features.