CVE-2024-52286 in Stirling-PDF
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2024
Stirling-PDF is a locally hosted web application that allows you to perform various operations on PDF files. In affected versions the Merge functionality takes untrusted user input (file name) and uses it directly in the creation of HTML pages allowing any unauthenticated to execute JavaScript code in the context of the user. The issue stems to the code starting at `Line 24` in `src/main/resources/static/js/merge.js`. The file name is directly being input into InnerHTML with no sanitization on the file name, allowing a malicious user to be able to upload files with names containing HTML tags. As HTML tags can include JavaScript code, this can be used to execute JavaScript code in the context of the user. This is a self-injection style attack and relies on a user uploading the malicious file themselves and it impact only them, not other users. A user might be social engineered into running this to launch a phishing attack. Nevertheless, this breaks the expected security restrictions in place by the application. This issue has been addressed in version 0.32.0 and all users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2025
CVE-2024-52286 represents a critical server-side request forgery vulnerability within the Stirling-PDF application that enables unauthorized code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability exists in the Merge functionality where user-provided file names are directly incorporated into HTML page generation without adequate sanitization measures. The flaw specifically manifests in the JavaScript code located at line 24 of src/main/resources/static/js/merge.js where file names are injected directly into innerHTML properties, creating a pathway for malicious code injection. The vulnerability classifies as a CWE-79 (Cross-Site Scripting) and more specifically CWE-80 (Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page) according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through file naming conventions that contain HTML tags, enabling execution of arbitrary code within the context of authenticated user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through social engineering campaigns. An attacker need only convince a user to upload a specially crafted file with a malicious name containing HTML/JavaScript code, which then executes automatically when the application processes the merge operation. This self-injection attack model means the vulnerability affects only the specific user who uploads the malicious file, but the execution context remains within the user's browser session, potentially compromising their data and system access. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) and T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) as it enables both code execution and social engineering exploitation pathways. The attack requires minimal technical expertise to execute, as the malicious payload can be embedded within the file name itself, making it particularly dangerous for applications that process user-uploaded content.
The security implications of CVE-2024-52286 are severe as it fundamentally undermines the application's security model by allowing unauthorized code execution in user contexts. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in input validation and output encoding practices, where the application fails to properly sanitize user-provided data before incorporating it into dynamic HTML content. This weakness creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged for session hijacking, data exfiltration, and further exploitation of the user's system. The fact that this vulnerability has been addressed in version 0.32.0 underscores the importance of timely patch management and proper security testing of web applications. Organizations utilizing Stirling-PDF must prioritize immediate upgrade to the patched version to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data that will be rendered in web contexts. Without proper sanitization, even seemingly innocuous inputs can become vectors for sophisticated attacks that can compromise entire user sessions and potentially lead to broader system compromise.