CVE-2024-22191 in avo
Summary
by MITRE • 01/17/2024
Avo is a framework to create admin panels for Ruby on Rails apps. A stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability was found in the key_value field of Avo v3.2.3 and v2.46.0. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser. The value of the key_value is inserted directly into the HTML code. In the current version of Avo (possibly also older versions), the value is not properly sanitized before it is inserted into the HTML code. This vulnerability could be used to steal sensitive information from victims that could be used to hijack victims' accounts or redirect them to malicious websites. Avo 3.2.4 and 2.47.0 include a fix for this issue. Users are advised to upgrade.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-22191 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the Avo framework, a popular tool for generating admin panels in Ruby on Rails applications. This security weakness specifically targets the key_value field implementation in Avo versions 3.2.3 and 2.46.0, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within victim browsers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization processes that fail to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before rendering it into HTML markup, thereby exposing applications to persistent XSS attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the direct insertion of unsanitized key_value field content into HTML code without appropriate security measures. When administrators or users interact with the affected Avo panels, the malicious JavaScript code embedded within the key_value field executes in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially compromising the security posture of the entire application. This flaw operates at the intersection of CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user input in web applications, and CWE-80 - Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page, which covers the insufficient handling of HTML script elements. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution to include account hijacking and phishing attacks, as attackers can leverage the persistent nature of stored XSS to redirect users to malicious domains or harvest sensitive session information.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability are severe for organizations utilizing affected Avo versions, as it creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the software is upgraded. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that persist in the key_value fields, ensuring that every subsequent access to the affected admin panel triggers the execution of the injected JavaScript. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for administrative interfaces where sensitive data is processed and stored. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects multiple versions of the framework, suggesting a widespread exposure across various deployments. Organizations must consider the ATT&CK framework's T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, which describes how attackers can use such vulnerabilities to deliver malicious payloads through compromised administrative interfaces, and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS, which relates to the potential for command and control communications through the executed JavaScript.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate upgrading to Avo versions 3.2.4 or 2.47.0, which contain the necessary patches to address the input sanitization issues. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and content security policy enforcement to reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of third-party frameworks and components, particularly those handling user input in web applications, are essential for maintaining robust security postures. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input sanitization and the potential consequences of inadequate security controls in administrative interfaces where privileged access and sensitive data processing occur.