CVE-2024-25503 in Advanced REST Client
Summary
by MITRE • 04/04/2024
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Advanced REST Client v.17.0.9 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code and obtain sensitive information via a crafted script to the edit details parameter of the New Project function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25503 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the Advanced REST Client application version 17.0.9. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of user input within the New Project function, specifically in the edit details parameter. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross site scripting as the insertion of malicious code into web applications that are then executed by other users. The Advanced REST Client is a popular tool used by developers for testing and interacting with restful web services, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given its potential to compromise the security of development environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious script and injects it into the edit details parameter during project creation. This parameter is processed without adequate input sanitization or output encoding, allowing the malicious payload to be stored and subsequently executed in the context of other users who view the affected project details. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as any user interacting with the vulnerable application could become a victim. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-25503 extends beyond simple code execution as it creates a persistent threat vector within development environments where the Advanced REST Client is commonly used. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal sensitive API keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential information that developers might store in project details. The vulnerability particularly affects development teams using the application for testing sensitive APIs or handling confidential data, as the malicious code execution could occur during routine project management activities. Organizations relying on this tool for API testing and development work face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to their development infrastructure. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering attacks that can include cross site scripting as a method for delivering malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate application updates to the latest available version where the XSS flaw has been addressed through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input sanitization measures and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in the application interface. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their development environments and review all project details for potential malicious content. Regular security training for development teams on recognizing and preventing XSS attacks can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in OWASP top ten security risks, particularly focusing on the prevention of injection attacks that can lead to XSS vulnerabilities.