CVE-2024-28853 in Ampache
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2024
Ampache is a web based audio/video streaming application and file manager. Stored Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in ampache before v6.3.1 allows a remote attacker to execute code via a crafted payload to serval parameters in the post request of /preferences.php?action=admin_update_preferences. This vulnerability is fixed in 6.3.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-28853 represents a stored cross site scripting flaw in the Ampache web-based audio/video streaming application that affects versions prior to 6.3.1. This security weakness exists within the preferences management functionality of the application, specifically in the admin_update_preferences action handler. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever affected pages are loaded. The attack vector requires a crafted payload delivered through POST requests to the /preferences.php endpoint, making it accessible to users with administrative privileges or those who can manipulate the application's preference settings.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the preferences management module. When administrators or users modify application preferences through the affected endpoint, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before storing it in the database. This stored data is then subsequently rendered without proper escaping or encoding, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental web application security weakness that enables various client-side attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, modify application data, or redirect users to malicious websites. Given that Ampache serves as a media streaming and file management platform, successful exploitation could allow attackers to access user media libraries, manipulate streaming configurations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive audio and video content. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active until the application is updated or the affected data is manually removed, providing attackers with persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28853 should prioritize immediate application updates to version 6.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation flaws. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular input sanitization, output encoding, and content security policy implementations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 - Account Access Removal and T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute JavaScript code within user browsers. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious POST requests to the affected endpoint and implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components, particularly those handling user input in persistent storage mechanisms.