CVE-2023-50069 in WireMock
Summary
by MITRE • 12/29/2023
WireMock with GUI versions 3.2.0.0 through 3.0.4.0 are vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting (SXSS) through the recording feature. An attacker can host a malicious payload and perform a test mapping pointing to the attacker's file, and the result will render on the Matched page in the Body area, resulting in the execution of the payload. This occurs because the response body is not validated or sanitized.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
WireMock serves as a powerful HTTP mocking tool that enables developers to simulate API endpoints and test applications in isolation. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50069 affects the graphical user interface versions 3.2.0.0 through 3.0.4.0, creating a significant security risk through stored cross-site scripting flaws. This vulnerability specifically manifests within the recording feature of the WireMock GUI, where user-provided content can be persisted and subsequently executed without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to sanitize response body content before rendering it in the Matched page, creating a persistent XSS vector that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted attack vector involving malicious payload hosting and test mapping manipulation. An attacker can create a malicious file containing malicious script code and configure a test mapping that points to their attacker-controlled file. When the recording feature processes this mapping and displays the results on the Matched page within the Body area, the unsanitized payload executes in the context of the victim's browser session. This stored XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser, potentially enabling session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised environment. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which represents cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating potential for serious security breaches within development environments where WireMock is deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal authentication tokens, access sensitive data, or redirect users to malicious sites. The persistent nature of the stored XSS means that once an attacker successfully injects malicious content, the payload will continue to execute whenever the affected page is viewed, potentially affecting multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability particularly impacts development teams using WireMock for API testing and mocking, as it creates an attack surface where malicious actors can compromise the testing environment itself. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of WireMock's GUI, making it a critical concern for organizations that rely on this tool for their development and testing workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-50069 should focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of WireMock, as well as implementing additional security controls within the development environment. Organizations should enforce strict input validation and sanitization policies for all user-provided content within the WireMock GUI, particularly in areas where content is stored and subsequently rendered. Network-level protections such as content security policies and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security assessments of development tools and environments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and access controls should be implemented to limit who can create or modify mappings within WireMock. The vulnerability highlights the importance of validating and sanitizing all user inputs in web applications, particularly those that persist data and render it back to users, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.