CVE-2024-56527: TCPDF Error Function Lacks Character Escape Leading to Potential XSS Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2024-56527: TCPDF missing character escape on error messages. Affects tecnickcom/tcpdf versions < 6.8.0. Fixed in 6.8.0. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- tcpdf · Debian:11
The same CVE-2024-56527 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
TCPDF is a popular open-source PHP library used for generating PDF documents. It provides a wide range of features including support for various fonts, images, and complex layouts. However, prior to version 6.8.0, TCPDF had a vulnerability in its error handling mechanism that could lead to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This issue arises from the failure to properly escape error messages, which could allow an attacker to inject malicious scripts into the output.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-56527 is due to the lack of an htmlspecialchars call in the Error function of TCPDF versions before 6.8.0. This oversight means that when error messages are generated, they are not properly sanitized. An attacker could exploit this by triggering an error that includes user-controlled input, leading to the execution of arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the user's browser. This could result in data theft, session hijacking, or other malicious actions.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
6.8.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
composer require tecnickcom/tcpdf:6.8.0Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If you cannot immediately update to the patched version, a temporary workaround is to manually sanitize any error messages before they are displayed. You can modify the Error function to include htmlspecialchars, like this: errorMessage =
htmlspecialchars(originalErrorMessage, ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8');
However, this is not a substitute for updating the library.
Conclusion
The vulnerability CVE-2024-56527 in TCPDF poses a significant risk due to improper handling of error messages, potentially allowing for XSS attacks. It is crucial to update to version 6.8.0 or later to mitigate this risk. Additionally, using tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities in your applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for tecnickcom/tcpdf →
FAQ
CVE-2024-56527 is a vulnerability in TCPDF that allows for cross-site scripting due to improper error message handling.
If you are using TCPDF version prior to 6.8.0, your application is vulnerable. You can check your composer.lock file or use Vulert to monitor for vulnerabilities.
The primary risk is XSS, which can lead to data theft, session hijacking, and other malicious activities.
Yes, you can sanitize error messages by modifying the Error function to use htmlspecialchars, but this is only a temporary solution.
You can find more information about TCPDF on its official GitHub repository and documentation pages.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for tecnickcom/tcpdf.
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