CVE-2024-10288 in LocalServer
Summary
by MITRE • 10/23/2024
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting LocalServer 1.0.9 that could allow a remote user to send a specially crafted query to an authenticated user and steal their session details through /mlss/SubscribeToList, parameter ListName.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within LocalServer version 1.0.9 and specifically targets the /mlss/SubscribeToList endpoint with the ListName parameter. The flaw represents a classic persistent XSS attack vector that enables remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's response. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding of user-supplied data, particularly when processing the ListName parameter in the subscription functionality. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that will execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking and unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack requires minimal privileges as the vulnerability affects authenticated users who interact with the subscription endpoint, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users maintain elevated permissions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which classifies improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental weakness in web application security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1531 - Account Access Removal and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as attackers can leverage the stolen session tokens to maintain persistent access or escalate privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in the application's defense-in-depth strategy, as it fails to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into dynamic web content. When an authenticated user visits a page containing the malicious script or when the application processes the compromised ListName parameter, the injected code executes in the victim's browser context, potentially capturing session cookies or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The impact extends beyond simple session theft as attackers can potentially modify user settings, access confidential data, or perform operations that the legitimate user is authorized to perform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application failing to properly encode or escape user-supplied data before rendering it within HTML responses. The ListName parameter in the SubscribeToList endpoint serves as the injection point where malicious JavaScript code can be embedded and subsequently executed when the affected page is rendered. This weakness allows attackers to bypass the application's security controls and inject scripts that can access the user's session information through JavaScript's document.cookie property or similar mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond basic authentication access, making it exploitable by attackers who have gained initial access through other means. The attack surface is limited to the specific endpoint and parameter combination, but its impact is significant due to the session theft potential. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability can be exploited through various means including direct injection into the ListName parameter or through more sophisticated techniques involving encoded payloads that bypass basic input filters. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious ListName value containing script tags or event handlers that execute when the application processes the subscription request. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 underscores the fundamental nature of the flaw which represents a failure to properly handle untrusted data in web applications. Organizations running LocalServer 1.0.9 should prioritize immediate remediation as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring any special access privileges beyond basic user authentication. The risk assessment indicates that this vulnerability can lead to complete account compromise and potentially broader system access depending on the user's authorization level. Mitigation strategies should focus on input validation, output encoding, and implementing proper content security policies to prevent script execution in user-supplied data contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate session theft to encompass potential data breaches and unauthorized system access. When attackers successfully exploit this XSS vulnerability, they can harvest session tokens and use them to impersonate legitimate users, potentially accessing sensitive information or performing unauthorized operations. The vulnerability's persistence in the subscription functionality means that once exploited, the malicious payload can continue to affect users until the application is patched or the compromised data is removed. The attack chain typically begins with an authenticated user interacting with the maliciously crafted ListName parameter, which then triggers script execution in their browser context. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding in web applications, as the failure to implement these controls creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges and access protected resources. Security teams should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape that includes other common web application vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and command injection. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK techniques that focus on credential access and privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on LocalServer for user management and subscription services. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures that address session hijacking and credential theft scenarios. The remediation process requires updating the LocalServer application to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes user inputs, particularly in the SubscribeToList endpoint. Additionally, implementing proper HTTP headers such as Content Security Policy can provide additional protection against script injection attacks even if input validation fails. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of regular security assessments and the need for robust input validation mechanisms in all web application components.