CVE-2024-42906 in TestLink
Summary
by MITRE • 08/26/2024
TestLink before v.1.9.20 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS) via the pop-up on upload file. When uploading a file, the XSS payload can be entered into the file name.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2025
TestLink version 1.9.20 and earlier contains a cross site scripting vulnerability that arises from improper input validation during file upload operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users interact with the file upload functionality, where the system displays a pop-up window containing the uploaded filename in the user interface. This pop-up window fails to properly sanitize or escape the filename parameter before rendering it, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary javascript code. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross Site Scripting, which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws in the industry. Attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading files with malicious script payloads embedded within the filename itself, potentially executing unauthorized code in the context of other users' browsers. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation, as it can enable session hijacking, credential theft, and the potential for privilege escalation within the application environment. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 - Phishing via Social Engineering, as attackers can craft malicious filenames to trick users into executing harmful payloads. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality by allowing unauthorized code execution, potentially leading to complete system compromise if the application has elevated privileges. The XSS payload can be triggered when any user views the upload confirmation pop-up, making this a persistent threat that affects all users of the vulnerable TestLink instance. This flaw represents a critical security gap in the application's input handling mechanisms and demonstrates poor security hygiene in the codebase. Organizations using TestLink versions prior to 1.9.20 should immediately implement mitigations including input sanitization, proper output encoding, and user education on file upload security practices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive security measures throughout the application lifecycle and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous functionality can become a significant attack vector. Regular security assessments and code reviews are essential to prevent similar issues in other web applications and to maintain overall system security posture. The remediation process should include upgrading to the patched version, implementing proper input validation, and ensuring that all user-provided data is appropriately escaped before display. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the need for continuous security monitoring in web applications.