CVE-2024-48396 in Chatbot
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2024
AIML Chatbot 1.0 (fixed in 2.0) is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS). The vulnerability is exploited through the message input field, where attackers can inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code. The chatbot fails to sanitize these inputs, leading to the execution of malicious scripts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-48396 affects AIML Chatbot version 1.0, representing a critical cross site scripting flaw that was subsequently addressed in version 2.0. This vulnerability exists within the chatbot's message input field processing mechanism, where user inputs are not properly sanitized before being rendered back to other users. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code directly through the chat interface, creating a persistent security risk that can affect all users interacting with the chatbot system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the application's data handling pipeline.
The technical exploitation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious code through the chatbot's message input field. The chatbot application fails to implement proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms to prevent the execution of injected scripts when other users view the chat messages. This creates a scenario where malicious code can execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the affected system. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the client-side rendering of chat messages without adequate security controls to prevent script execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to manipulate the chatbot's user interface and potentially access sensitive information. Users who view infected messages may have their browser sessions compromised, allowing attackers to perform actions on their behalf or extract confidential data. The persistent nature of this vulnerability means that once injected, malicious scripts can continue to execute for as long as the chat messages remain visible, creating ongoing security exposure for all users interacting with the chatbot. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized access to user data and system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-48396 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should ensure that all user inputs are validated against a strict whitelist of allowed characters and that any potentially dangerous elements are removed or encoded before rendering. The recommended solution involves implementing Content Security Policy headers, using proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content, and ensuring that the application follows secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and CWE-79. Additionally, upgrading to AIML Chatbot version 2.0 or applying the appropriate security patches should be prioritized to eliminate this vulnerability. The fix should include comprehensive testing of input handling mechanisms and regular security audits to prevent similar issues from emerging in future releases.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in web applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links, and T1059.001 for command and control through script injection. The security implications extend to potential privilege escalation and data exfiltration scenarios, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where chatbots may be integrated with sensitive systems or contain confidential information.