CVE-2024-9101 in phpLDAPadmin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2024
A reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the 'Entry Chooser' of phpLDAPadmin (version 1.2.1 through the latest version, 1.2.6.7) allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the user's browser via the 'element' parameter, which is unsafely passed to the JavaScript 'eval' function. However, exploitation is limited to specific conditions where 'opener' is correctly set.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-9101 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw within the phpLDAPadmin application ecosystem, specifically affecting versions 1.2.1 through 1.2.6.7. This security weakness resides in the Entry Chooser component, which serves as an interface for selecting LDAP entries within the administrative console. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied input through the 'element' parameter is improperly handled and subsequently passed to the JavaScript eval function, creating a direct pathway for malicious code execution in victim browsers. The flaw constitutes a classic reflected XSS vulnerability as described in CWE-79, where attacker-controlled data flows through the application and back to the user's browser without proper sanitization or encoding.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires specific environmental conditions to be met, as the attack vector is limited to scenarios where the 'opener' parameter is correctly configured. This conditional requirement suggests that the vulnerability may not be easily exploitable in all contexts, but rather requires precise targeting of the application's window management functions. The use of eval() in JavaScript represents a dangerous practice that directly enables arbitrary code execution, as outlined in CWE-95 and referenced in the OWASP Top Ten as a critical security risk. When the 'element' parameter contains malicious JavaScript code and is processed through eval(), it bypasses normal browser security mechanisms and executes with the privileges of the victim user's session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can potentially enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive authentication tokens, or redirect users to malicious sites. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers must craft specific URLs containing malicious payloads that, when clicked by a victim, will execute the code within the victim's browser context. This creates a social engineering component where attackers need to convince users to click on malicious links, though the actual exploitation occurs server-side when the application processes the vulnerable parameter. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization boundaries of the application, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access restricted administrative functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9101 should focus on eliminating the use of eval() functions in JavaScript code and implementing proper input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters. The recommended approach involves sanitizing the 'element' parameter before processing and avoiding dynamic code execution patterns that rely on user input. Organizations should upgrade to the latest stable version of phpLDAPadmin where this vulnerability has been patched, following the vendor's security advisory. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, using proper parameter validation techniques, and conducting regular security audits of JavaScript code to identify and eliminate dangerous patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based code injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures against client-side exploitation vectors.