CVE-2023-5892 in pkp-lib
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2023
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in GitHub repository pkp/pkp-lib prior to 3.3.0-16.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2023
Cross-site scripting vulnerabilities represent one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws, with stored XSS variants posing particularly severe risks due to their persistent nature and potential for widespread impact. The vulnerability identified in the GitHub repository pkp/pkp-lib prior to version 3.3.0-16 exemplifies how insufficient input validation and output encoding can create persistent attack vectors that compromise user sessions and enable malicious code execution across entire user bases.
The technical flaw within pkp/pkp-lib stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data before storage and subsequent rendering in web interfaces. When users submit content through forms or other input mechanisms within the application, the system fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as executable JavaScript code. This stored data is then retrieved and displayed without proper context-aware encoding, creating an environment where malicious scripts can execute in the browser context of unsuspecting users who view the compromised content. The vulnerability affects the application's handling of user-generated content, particularly in areas where rich text editing capabilities are enabled, allowing attackers to inject persistent script payloads that survive server restarts and remain active until manually removed.
The operational impact of this stored XSS vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides adversaries with persistent access to user sessions and sensitive information. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject additional malicious code to establish backdoors within the application environment. The persistence characteristic means that once the malicious script is injected into the system, it continues to affect all users who encounter the compromised content without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user data, potentially enabling unauthorized access to administrative functions and sensitive institutional information within scholarly publishing platforms that rely on this library for content management.
Mitigation strategies for this stored XSS vulnerability require comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms that align with established security standards including CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws. Organizations should implement strict content sanitization policies that strip or encode dangerous characters from user inputs before storage, employ context-appropriate output encoding for all dynamic content, and utilize security headers such as Content Security Policy to limit script execution capabilities. The recommended solution involves upgrading to pkp/pkp-lib version 3.3.0-16 or later, which includes proper input sanitization routines and enhanced output encoding mechanisms that prevent the execution of malicious scripts in web contexts. Additionally, implementing regular security scanning, conducting thorough code reviews for input handling logic, and establishing secure coding practices that follow OWASP Top Ten guidelines will significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles.
The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation gaps can create substantial security risks within content management systems, particularly those handling user-generated content. Security professionals should recognize stored XSS as a critical threat vector requiring continuous monitoring and proper remediation strategies that address both immediate exploitation paths and long-term architectural security considerations. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries, implementing robust security testing procedures, and establishing comprehensive incident response capabilities to address vulnerabilities before they can be effectively exploited by malicious actors within the broader cybersecurity landscape defined by frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK.