CVE-2024-5165 - Eclipse Ditto User Interface XSS Vulnerability

In this post, we will discuss the recently disclosed XSS (Cross Site Scripting) vulnerability (CVE-2024-5165) affecting the Eclipse Ditto Explorer User Interface found in versions 3.. to 3.5.5. We will cover how this vulnerability can be exploited, the potential impact, and what measures can be taken to address this issue.

Vulnerability Details

The Eclipse Ditto Explorer User Interface (https://eclipse.dev/ditto/user-interface.html) is a widely used UI for managing digital twins. The vulnerability CVE-2024-5165 affects how the user input is handled in several input fields present in the Ditto Explorer UI.

Reflected XSS

The user input in several input fields is not properly neutralized and is stored in the local browser storage for saving settings of the "environments" of the UI and the "search queries". This leads to a Reflected XSS vulnerability where the malicious script may be executed in a user's browser upon accessing a specific crafted URL.

Stored XSS

The affected user inputs, which are persisted at the backend of Eclipse Ditto, can lead to a Stored XSS vulnerability. Authenticated and authorized users can exploit this vulnerability to persist malicious scripts in Eclipse Ditto Things. When other users (who are authorized to view the respective Things) access the Ditto UI, the injected script can be executed in their browsers.

Here's a sample code snippet demonstrating the vulnerability

<!-- Sample malicious script -->
<script>
  alert('XSS Attack');
</script>

Now, let's say an attacker injects the above script as a value for one of the input fields, for example, in a search query field. Once other authorized users access this search query or a corresponding Ditto Thing, the script will be executed in their browsers.

Original References

1. Eclipse Ditto Project Page: https://eclipse.dev/ditto/user-interface.html

Exploit Impact

The primary security concern with this vulnerability is the execution of malicious JavaScript code in the user's browser. This could lead to the theft or manipulation of sensitive information, account takeover, and even the execution of malicious code on a broader level.

To address this vulnerability, users should

1. Update their Eclipse Ditto instances to version 3.5.6 or newer, which contains a fix for both the Reflected and Stored XSS issues.

Validate and sanitize user input on both client and server sides before processing it.

3. Employ secure coding practices and follow the recommendations provided by OWASP (the Open Web Application Security Project).

Conclusion

CVE-2024-5165 is a critical security vulnerability that impacts Eclipse Ditto Explorer User Interface versions 3.. to 3.5.5. Users should take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with both Reflected and Stored XSS vulnerabilities by upgrading their Eclipse Ditto instance and implementing secure coding practices. Stay informed of the latest security vulnerabilities by regularly following security advisories and online resources like the CVE database (https://cve.mitre.org/).

Timeline

Published on: 05/23/2024 10:15:10 UTC
Last modified on: 06/04/2024 18:02:58 UTC