A Vulnerability in reNgine: CVE-2024-43381

Stored XSS using DNS TXT Record, A Vulnerability in reNgine: CVE-2024-43381

In the evolving cybersecurity landscape, even the most advanced tools are not immune to vulnerabilities. One such instance is the Securityium discovered Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in reNgine, a widely used open-source web application scanner. Identified as CVE-2024-43381, this flaw underscores the need for constant vigilance and proactive security measures. This article delves into the nature of this vulnerability, its potential impacts, and strategies for mitigating such risks.

Understanding Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability found in web applications. It occurs when an attacker is able to inject malicious scripts into content that will be permanently stored by the application and later displayed to users. Unlike other forms of XSS, which might involve immediate or reflected content injection, stored XSS persists within the application, affecting all users who access the compromised data.

How Stored XSS Works:

• Injection: An attacker injects a malicious script into a web application.
• Storage: The application stores this script in its database, file system, or other storage mechanisms.
• Execution: When the stored data is retrieved and rendered in a web page, the malicious script executes in the context of the victim’s browser, potentially leading to various attacks such as data theft, session hijacking, or unauthorized actions.

What is reNgine?

reNgine is an open-source tool designed for web application security assessment. It helps security professionals identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in web applications by scanning and analyzing them for potential security issues. reNgine’s features include vulnerability detection, comprehensive scanning capabilities, and a user-friendly interface for managing scan results.

The Discovery of CVE-2024-43381

CVE-2024-43381 was published on August 16, 2024, revealing a serious Stored XSS vulnerability in reNgine. This flaw arises when reNgine processes DNS records that contain malicious payloads. Specifically, it is triggered during the scanning of a domain. If a domain’s DNS record includes an XSS payload, it gets stored in reNgine and can execute when users view the scan results.

How the Vulnerability Works

The exploitation of CVE-2024-43381 involves a series of steps:

• Creating Malicious DNS Records: An attacker crafts a DNS TXT record with a malicious XSS payload. This record is then added to the DNS settings of a domain controlled by the attacker.
• Scanning the Domain: The attacker uses reNgine to scan the domain. During this process, reNgine fetches and stores the DNS record containing the XSS payload.
• Viewing Scan Results: When a user views the scan results in reNgine, the XSS payload executes within the reNgine dashboard. This occurs when the “vulnerability result” tab is accessed.
• Exploiting the Vulnerability: The malicious script executes within the context of reNgine, allowing the attacker to perform actions such as data theft or interface manipulation.

Proof of Concept (PoC) for CVE-2024-43381

To demonstrate the Stored XSS vulnerability in reNgine, follow these detailed steps:

• Login to reNgine: Access the Interface: Open your web browser and navigate to the reNgine login page. Enter your credentials to access the reNgine application dashboard.

• Add a Target Domain: Navigate to Domain Addition: Once logged in, find the section for adding new targets. This is usually under ‘Quick Add’ or a similar menu option.Enter Domain Details: Input the domain you control. For the purpose of the proof of concept, ensure that this domain is configured with a specific DNS TXT record containing the malicious XSS payload. You can use a domain you own or have control over to avoid legal issues.Configure DNS Record: Add a DNS TXT record to the domain’s DNS settings. This record should contain the XSS payload.
• Conduct a Vulnerability Scan: Initiate the Scan: Start the vulnerability scan process on the added domain. This will involve reNgine fetching and processing the DNS records associated with the domain.

  Monitor the Scan: Allow the scan to complete. During this process, reNgine will store the DNS record, including the XSS payload, as part of its scan results.

• View Scan Results: Access Scan Results: Once the scan is complete, go to the ‘Result’ or ‘Vulnerability’ tab in the reNgine dashboard. This section displays all identified vulnerabilities and scan results.Observe the Execution: The XSS payload should execute within the reNgine interface. For the example provided, you might see an alert box displaying the domain of the reNgine application.

Impact of CVE-2024-43381

The Stored XSS vulnerability in reNgine, identified as CVE-2024-43381, poses several serious risks. Exploiting this vulnerability can have significant consequences, affecting both the security and functionality of the reNgine application as well as the broader infrastructure. Here’s a detailed look at the potential impacts:

• Theft of Sensitive Information: Data Exposure: Attackers can exploit the XSS vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the reNgine application. This can enable them to steal sensitive information, such as session cookies or authentication tokens, from users viewing the scan results. For instance, an attacker could use JavaScript to capture these tokens and send them to an external server, thereby gaining unauthorized access to user accounts or other protected resources.
  Internal Data Extraction: Through AJAX calls or other methods, attackers could fetch internal data from reNgine, including detailed scan results or configuration settings. This data can be valuable for further attacks or to compromise other systems within the organization.
• Defacing the User Interface: Visual Manipulation: The XSS payload can alter the appearance of the reNgine user interface. This might include injecting unauthorized content, changing the layout, or displaying misleading or offensive messages. Such defacement can disrupt the user experience, damage the tool’s credibility, and lead to operational issues.Misleading Information: Attackers might insert fake vulnerabilities or false alerts into the scan results, misleading users about the security posture of their systems. This can result in misplaced priorities and ineffective responses to genuine security threats.
• Phishing Attacks: Malicious Redirects: The XSS vulnerability allows attackers to redirect users to malicious websites. For example, an attacker could craft a payload that redirects users to a phishing site designed to steal login credentials or other sensitive information. Such redirections can deceive users into providing personal information or downloading malicious software.Fake Login Forms: Attackers can inject fake login forms into the reNgine interface, tricking users into entering their credentials. These credentials could then be captured and used to compromise accounts or perform unauthorized actions.
• Leveraging Tool Capabilities for Further Attacks: Network Attacks: By exploiting the XSS vulnerability, attackers might gain access to the reNgine tool itself or other systems connected to it. This could provide a foothold for further attacks on the local network or other systems that the reNgine tool interacts with.Privilege Escalation: If the vulnerability is exploited in conjunction with other weaknesses in the application, it might enable attackers to escalate their privileges or gain deeper access into the organization’s systems.
• Impact on Organizational Operations: Operational Disruption: The disruption caused by XSS attacks can affect the availability and reliability of the reNgine tool. Users may face interruptions or degraded performance, impacting their ability to effectively conduct security scans and manage vulnerabilities.Reputation Damage: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability can damage the reputation of both the reNgine tool and the organization using it. News of such security breaches can undermine trust in the tool and potentially harm the organization’s image among clients and stakeholders.
• Compliance and Legal Risks: Regulatory Compliance: For organizations subject to regulatory requirements, such as GDPR or HIPAA, a data breach resulting from XSS vulnerabilities can lead to non-compliance. This may result in legal penalties, fines, or other regulatory actions.Legal Consequences: Exploitation of the vulnerability could lead to legal repercussions if it results in the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data or violates privacy agreements.

The impact of CVE-2024-43381 highlights the critical importance of addressing vulnerabilities in cybersecurity tools. The ability to steal sensitive information, deface the user interface, execute phishing attacks, and leverage the tool for further attacks underscores the need for robust mitigation strategies. Organizations using reNgine must take proactive measures to safeguard their systems and data from these serious threats.

Mitigation Strategies for CVE-2024-43381

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2024-43381 and protect against similar vulnerabilities, consider the following detailed strategies:

• Update Your Software: Obtain the Latest Patches: Check for the latest version of reNgine that includes patches for CVE-2024-43381. Download and apply the update from the official reNgine repository or website.Regular Update Practices: Implement a routine update schedule to ensure all software, including reNgine, is kept up to date with the latest security patches.
• Implement Security Features: Content Security Policy (CSP): Configure CSP headers in reNgine to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts. CSP helps prevent XSS attacks by specifying which sources of content are allowed.Input Validation: Ensure that reNgine validates and sanitizes input to prevent malicious payloads from being stored and executed.
• Utilize Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Deploy a WAF: Implement a web application firewall to filter and monitor HTTP requests. A WAF can detect and block malicious requests before they reach reNgine.Configure WAF Rules: Set up specific rules to identify and block XSS payloads or suspicious DNS records that could exploit vulnerabilities.
• Educate Users: Training Programs: Conduct regular training sessions for users on recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts and handling suspicious links.Awareness Campaigns: Implement awareness campaigns to educate users about the risks associated with XSS attacks and best practices for maintaining security.
• Conduct Regular Security Assessments: Routine Penetration Testing: Perform regular penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in reNgine and other applications. Engage with security professionals to simulate real-world attacks and assess defenses.Vulnerability Scanning: Use automated tools to periodically scan for known vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your systems.
• Maintain Patch Management: Centralized Patch Management: Implement a centralized patch management system to ensure that all software, including reNgine, is updated promptly with the latest security patches.Monitor Security Advisories: Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to reNgine and other critical applications.

By following these detailed mitigation strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk posed by CVE-2024-43381 and enhance the overall security of your web application scanning tools.

Conclusion

The discovery of CVE-2024-43381 in reNgine underscores the importance of proactive security measures. This Stored XSS vulnerability demonstrates how even sophisticated tools can be exploited to execute malicious scripts. To mitigate the risks associated with this flaw, organizations should update their software, implement robust security features, and maintain vigilant security practices.

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, staying informed about vulnerabilities and addressing them promptly is essential for protecting systems and data. For more guidance on securing your applications and staying ahead of potential threats, contact Securityium. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and enhance your security posture. Visit Securityium’s website for more details on our services and how we can assist you in safeguarding your digital assets.

Reference Links

• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-43381
• https://github.com/yogeshojha/rengine/commit/064bac1c7c4d2b90745bf225c92e74d83edb7a4d
• https://github.com/yogeshojha/rengine/security/advisories/GHSA-96q4-fj2m-jqf7